Volunteer Spotlight - Janet Holder, President, Enbridge Gas Distribution

Janet Holder, President of Enbridge Gas Distribution (Enbridge), has long had an interest in health care, so when she was asked to join the Saint Elizabeth Health Care (SEHC) Foundation Board two things in particular appealed to her. First, Janet was attracted to the level of passion and commitment demonstrated by Saint Elizabeth Health Care President and CEO Shirlee Sharkey. Second, home care was not getting the funding attention it deserved.

“It is more difficult for the SEHC Foundation to raise the funds needed to deliver important charitable initiatives in individual homes than it is for other health care organizations with bricks and mortar buildings where patients are treated,” says Janet.

Keen to do her part to make a difference, Janet accepted the invitation and has been a member of the SEHC Foundation Board since 2000. Despite a busy work life as President of Enbridge Gas Distribution, Janet continues to be a committed and essential participant in the Saint Elizabeth Health Care Foundation. For Janet, the way to balance an active work and home life is by working smart.

“You don’t have to work 12 hours a day, seven days a week – you have to work smarter and focus your time and efforts on what’s most important,” says Janet. “By focusing on what’s important, I’m able to make the best use of my time. For me, that includes work, family and giving back to the community.”

Volunteering as Vice Chair of the Foundation and Chair of the Major Gift Committee has also helped fulfill Janet’s desire to provide some of her time and knowledge to the community. In addition, Janet’s work with the Foundation has enhanced her understanding of the role SEHC plays in the community and the need to find ways of providing more charitable services.

“I’ve been on the Board of the Saint Elizabeth Health Care Foundation for many years and have seen first-hand the tremendous difference SEHC makes in our community,” says Janet. “The Foundation is helping SEHC make a real and measurable difference in the lives of individuals and their families and its efforts to build a healthy community fit well within Enbridge’s philanthropic areas of focus.”

Enbridge Gas Distribution traces its roots to 1848 when the Company’s motto was “for the good of the community.” That tradition has survived more than 160 years and today Enbridge remains committed to the communities it serves. Enbridge’s community investment program focuses on efforts that help build healthy, vibrant and sustainable communities. Specifically, there are four key elements the organization focuses on –health and safety, environment, culture and community, and education.

Enbridge provides financial support and sponsorships for many charitable initiatives in key focus areas. The Company also supports more than 300 local events with its community events barbecue team and encourages employees to get involved in the community as volunteers. According to Janet, it is important for organizations and individuals to get involved in the community. She hopes others support the work of the Foundation because SEHC delivers vital health services to those in need throughout our community.

“Over the years, SEHC’s charitable program offerings have evolved to meet the changing needs of the community and the Saint Elizabeth Health Care Foundation secures the financial resources required to carry out this important and responsive work,” says Janet. “By supporting the Foundation, individuals and organizations can ensure that SEHC can continue to anticipate the community’s needs and provide assistance when individuals and their families need it most.”