Drax Foundation, the charitable entity of renewable energy company Drax Group, has given over $681K to communities across Canada in 2024. This marks a meaningful increase in charitable giving to support and develop STEM education, grassroots initiatives, and create a positive impact for the climate, nature, and people.
“Drax is committed to being a good and respectful neighbour in our operating communities and beyond,” said Liezl van Wyk, VP of Northern Operations for Drax. “The Drax Foundation and Community Fund build on and back the work our operations employees do every day to support strong, vibrant communities for a net zero future.”
Read the Drax Foundation Annual Review here.
In Canada, the Drax Foundation contributed over $480,000 to communities, in addition to the over $200,000 coming from the Community Fund. Scientists in Schools, a STEM education organization which aims to encourage children to connect scientific knowledge to their world and increase interest in careers in STEM subjects. The funding helped provide over 500 children with access to STEM learning in British Colombia and Alberta.
“Drax Foundation support has been a catalyst for our evolution as a national charity shaping the STEM skills and futures of over 350,000 youth annually,” said Cindy Adams, Executive Director, Scientists in School. “This funding has enhanced our ability to reach children and youth in rural and under-served communities in British Columbia and Alberta, with a lasting impact on increasing STEM interest and confidence, giving young scientists the opportunity to develop lifelong skills.”
Donations from the fund have also been given to other essential organizations in Canada like the Smithers Secondary School Grub Hub Lunch Program, as well as youth programs, education and employment organizations, physical and mental health charities, community spaces, food banks and organizations that strengthen the communities where Drax operates.
“Building stronger communities in the areas where Drax operates is the driving force behind our social purpose,” said Miguel Veiga-Pestana, Drax Group Chief Sustainability Officer. “Through our charitable giving, we’re empowering individuals with the skills and resources they need to thrive, while also making a tangible contribution to a sustainable future.”
To learn more about the Drax Foundation and Community Fund, visit our community page..
— ### —
Contact Information:
Caroline Bleay
Communications Manager, Canada
780-502-1571
caroline.bleay@drax.com
About Drax
Drax Group’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future and in 2019 announced a world-leading ambition to be carbon negative by 2040, using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology.
Drax’s around 3,000 employees operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production and supply to third parties. For more information visit www.drax.com/ca/
Pellet production and supply:
The Group has 18 operational pellet plants and developments with nameplate production capacity of around five million tons a year.
The pellets are produced using materials sourced from sustainably managed working forests and are supplied to third party customers in Europe and Asia for the generation of renewable power.
Drax’s pellet plants also supply biomass used at its own power station in North Yorkshire, England to generate flexible, renewable power for the UK’s homes and businesses.
