Blue Ridge Electric’s employees exceed $85,000 fundraising goal in honor of the co-op’s 85th anniversary

The second annual Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative (BREC) Employee Days of Giving campaign exceeded its $85,000 fundraising goal to donate to area nonprofits as the co-op celebrates its 85th anniversary this year.

Co-op employees raised a total of $87,357 through one-time gifts or by contributing 12 working hours of pay. The charities included:

• MARYS House — Provides emergency safe shelter and resources for families who are victims of domestic violence.
• Service Dogs for Veterans — Provides a unique training program for veterans to train their own service dog to help them cope with PTSD from military service.
  – Tribble Center — Dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities and special needs through comprehensive services that promote independence, inclusion and self-determination.
• United Way of Anderson, Oconee and Pickens — Three separate United Way organizations that improve our community by providing leadership in identifying needs, securing and leveraging resources and driving action.
• Upcountry Fiber Foundation — The philanthropic arm of Upcountry Fiber that provides funding to local nonprofit organizations that enrich the lives of residents in the Upcountry Fiber and Blue Ridge Electric Co-op service territories through education, youth, culture, arts, health and human services.
• Vets Helping Vets — Focuses on home repairs, builds wheelchair ramps and provides transportation to critical medical appointments for veterans who are financially and/or physically unable to do so for themselves.

At employee safety meetings this month, the co-op learned more about the impact of four of the nonprofits: Tribble Center, Vets Helping Vets, MARYS House and Service Dogs for Veterans.

“The foundation of our co-op was built on the service to our community of past employees 85 years ago, and that mindset continues today,” Co-op President and CEO Jim Lovinggood said. “Each of these organizations are vital in making our community a safer, healthier and better place to live. I’m grateful for our employees who carry on the legacy of giving back to others.”

About Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative

For 85 years, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative has powered rural communities through quality service and reliability. Today, the co-op serves over 74,000 meters and maintains 7,500 miles of power lines. Blue Ridge employs nearly 180 people who support the greater community through volunteerism and philanthropy throughout Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens and Spartanburg counties. The co-op has donated more than $3 million to area charities since 1998. For more information about Blue Ridge Electric, go online to blueridge.coop.