Electric Co-op Today

On Fridays, employees at Basin Electric Power Co-op hold Jeans Day in which they donate money to local charities and, in exchange, wear their Levis. A typical net for that day is $150 to $180.

N.D. co-op officials present a check to the American Red Cross for Haiti relief efforts. (Photo By: Basin Electric Power Co-op)

But that didn’t happen during last week’s Jeans Day.

With only a day’s notice, employees at the Bismarck, N.D., G&T raised more than $7,500 for the American Red Cross’ International Response Fund for Haiti Relief efforts. With contributions coming from other North Dakota co-op staffers and a match from Basin Electric, co-op officials presented a check for $15,500 to the West Dakota chapter of the American Red Cross.

“I asked employees to dig a little deeper into their pockets and announced Basin Electric would match their donations dollar for dollar,” said Ron Harper, the G&T’s CEO and General Manager. “Time and time again, our people have stepped up to help their neighbors, their fellow co-workers and, now, a devastated country.”

The co-ops’ generosity was “overwhelming,” said Janel Schmitz, executive director of the West Dakota chapter of the American Red Cross, after the check ceremony Jan. 26. “There are donations coming in [for Haiti relief] everyday from everywhere.”

Tags: Commitment to Community, International, Local Initiatives