Andrea Chin and Winsey Kan, PG&E employees and InspirAsian Employee Resource Group members, distribute backpacks. (Photos by Marlin Ezell.)
SAN FRANCISCO – About 150 students will be wearing new backpacks when school starts thanks to PG&E and its employees.
On Wednesday (Aug. 8), PG&E and its InspirAsian Employee Resource Group distributed backpacks and school supplies in conjunction with the Chinatown Community Development Center.
The students, ages 6-14, were from San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood. The event was held at Tenderloin Family Housing on Turk Street.
In addition to the red, green or blue backpacks they received, the students also got pencils, crayons, an eraser and other supplies.
During the event, Malcolm Yeung, deputy director of development of the Chinatown CDC, spoke about the partnership between the group and PG&E.
Linemen John Moura and Joe Laucirica talked to the students about the importance of electric safety.
Fong Wan, PG&E’s senior vice president of energy procurement, talked about the company’s commitment to serving diverse communities while providing reliable and safe electric and gas service to customers.
“We all know the Chinatown CDC is very important to our communities as they provide affordable housing for families who might not be able to afford to live here in San Francisco,” Wan said. “It is our great honor to support the Chinatown CDC for its tremendous efforts in helping underserved communities grow and thrive.”
Since 2007, PG&E has provided more than $46,500 in charitable contributions to Chinatown CDC to support diverse families.
As part of the event, the students watched an electric safety board demonstration performed by PG&E electric linemen John Moura and Joe Laucirica. Even Helmet, PG&E’s mascot, made an appearance.
Angie Tapang-Daniels, a PG&E employee/volunteer, helps a young student with his new backpack.
Local news media, including KGO-TV and the World Journal (in Chinese) reported on the event.
PG&E has 10 recognized Employee Resource Groups that share common interests and help promote the company’s business objectives and diversity goals. More than 3,000 employees are members of the groups, which also promote teamwork and help foster local community relationships and volunteerism.
The Employee Resource Groups include: Pride Network (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender), Women’s Network, Samahan (Filipino employees), InspirAsian, Black Employees Association, Latino, Access Network (employees with disabilities), Legacy (tenured employees), NuEnergy ERG (new employees) and Veterans.
