Devon employees continually demonstrate their support of their communities through successful United Way campaigns each year.
It takes numerous employee volunteers working behind the scenes to ensure a successful campaign in their communities. Whether by volunteering their time or donating their own money, employees willingly give to the cause.
By contributing to United Way, employees know they are making a difference in the lives of many in their communities. Devon matches employee contributions dollar for dollar, doubling United Way’s efforts in areas across North America.
In 2009, employees in Oklahoma City, Houston, Calgary, Canada field offices and Bridgeport, Texas, showed their spirit of giving by contributing a record-setting $4 million to United Way
organizations across North America.
By going back to basics with the theme of “Keepin’ it Real,” the campaign featured not only a fun reality television show theme but also an educational component to show how United Way affects real lives.
Oklahoma City
Devon employees in Oklahoma City raised a record $753,500, or $1.5 million with the Devon
match. Employees went on mystery tours to learn more about the various organizations that United Way serves and see the positive impact they have on people’s lives. Individual team fundraisers such as snowcone stands, bake sales, the first “Are You Smarter than a VP?” challenge and the popular dunk tank helped contribute to the success of the campaign.
North Texas
The north Texas campaign followed, and employees took part in a fishing tournament, chili cook-off and various luncheons and socials to get employees involved in the campaign. At the end of the campaign, employees raised $106,679. With the company match and corporate donations, the north Texas total reached $246,951. The employee fundraising participation was the highest in north Texas to date.
Houston
In Houston, employees contributed $375,246, or $750,492 with the Devon match. Employees not only saw how the organizations affect people in real life, but they also got into the reality theme by participating in a video competition spoofing “Super Nanny,” “Project Runway”
and “The Amazing Race.”
Canada
Canada employees put their own twist on “Keepin’ it Real” with a campaign titled “Real
Devon. Real United. Making a Real Difference.” Employees went back to basics focusing
on the primary needs of food, shelter and clothing through experiential learning.
At the heart of the campaign was a volunteer blitz with 500 unique volunteer and educational opportunities to suit employee preferences and schedules. Throughout the week, employees did everything from building a playground to cooking for seniors to delivering household items to families in need. The sheer volume of the blitz had never been done before in Calgary.
Throughout the campaign, nearly 600 Canadian employees contributed 2,400 hours of volunteer time to 13 agencies and raised C$1.5 million for United Way with company matching funds.
Field
Additionally, employees in Havre, Mont., and Gillette, Wyo., contributed to the overall record campaign total. Havre employees donated $3,860, or $7,720 with the Devon match, and Gillette employees brought in $2,600, or $5,200 with the match.
Credit to the great campaigns across the company goes to the numerous campaign volunteers and, most importantly, the employees for their very generous donations.