Staff from the Shell Caroline gas plant recently came to Sundre to play a friendly game of ball and start an annual fundraising campaign for Central Alberta United Way.
Employees and their families get a chance to spend a leisurely day and enjoy some time together as they begin the campaign that supports a worthwhile cause, said Shell United Way coordinator Paul Smith, who works at the Caroline plant and lives in the Sundre area.
Every year, the campaign is launched by a similar kickoff event, he said.
"It's always different, we've done golfing events. For this one, everybody decided on softball."
On Friday, Sept. 29, a red team and a white team ó each made up of 10 players ó went up against one other with bragging rights on the line for the victors, who turned out to be the red side, he said, adding players sometimes end up a little sore the next day from enthusiastically overexerting themselves.
The campaign goal for this year is $40,000. Last year's goal of $35,000 was modestly surpassed at $36,000, so organizers decided to raise the bar this year, he said.
"Over the years, Shell Central Alberta employees have raised more than $1 million."
Central Alberta United Way offers support for community organizations, including the Sundre Nutrition for Learning Society, which provides healthy snack options for students as well as to improve nutritional education.
Visit caunitedway.ca for more on that organization, as well as www.sundrenutrition.com for information about the local society.
