Once again, Donna Cona sponsored and purchased a corporate table at the Assemble of First Nations (AFN) annual Christmas party held on Thursday, December 7th at the Ottawa Congress Centre in Ottawa. Aboriginal leaders and friends filled the ball room at the Ottawa Congress centre to enjoy this years dinner & reception.
In a bid to raise money and awareness for Make Poverty History: The First Nations Plan for Creating Opportunity, National Chief Phil Fontaine auctioned off the right to cut his hair for a worthy cause at the event.
"First Nations poverty is the greatest social injustice in Canada today," said National Chief Fontaine. "I wanted to make a statement that I would go to 'great lengths' to publicize this campaign!"
Responding to the National Chief's offer, Mr. John Bernard, President & CEO Donna Cona and Mr. Andy Popko, VP Aboriginal Relations Corporate Relations, EnCana Corporation www.encana.com joined forces and started a friendly bidding war that encouraged others to donate. At the end of the evening, the National Chief's pony tail was spared, his tie was clipped by John Bernard and a total donation of $58,000 was raised to support the Make Poverty History campaign.
"Donna Cona is proud to show its support and commitment to the Aboriginal community and to help raise awareness for Aboriginal initiatives such as Make Poverty History" said John Bernard.
The top bid went to a coalition comprised of Donna Cona, EnCana, Ironhorse Oil and Gas, Grand River Enterprises, and Louisburg Pipelines. There were many other generous sponsors and individuals.
For more information on Make Poverty History: The First Nations Plan for Creating Opportunity or to sign the online petition, please visit www.afn.ca.
Photo: Andy Popko, EnCana and John Bernard, Donna Cona.
Photo: National Chief Fontaine far left.
http://www.afn.ca/cmslib/general/x-mas.pdf
For additional information, please contact:
Anna Molley
Donna Cona Inc.
13th floor - 130 Slater Street
Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 6E2
Telephone: 613. 234. 5407
Facsimile: 613. 234. 7761
E-mail: annamolley@donnacona.com
Visit: www.donnacona.com