Today marks the 20th birthday of the SA Power Networks Employee Foundation, representing 20 years of employees, their families and friends making a positive contribution to the lives of people in their community.

The Foundation’s work is made possible through payroll donations, fundraising, and volunteering. As a registered charity within the SA Power Networks Group, its running costs are funded by the business, meaning all donations and funds raised go directly to their intended cause. Those charities and causes are also chosen by employees. 

With the support of the business, including through dollar-matching initiatives, the SA Power Networks Employee Foundation has donated close to $7 million since its inception.

SA Power Networks Employee Foundation Executive Officer Isabell Al-Nahat said the combination of financial and practical support represents the commitment of SA Power Networks employees to serving the communities in which they work and live. 

“Our employees rally behind causes that matter,” Ms Al-Nahat said.

“Through payroll donations, volunteering, fundraising and even very practical logistics support, our people are helping ensure we can extend a helping hand where it is needed all across South Australia.”

The 20th anniversary is being marked with a thank you event at the Adelaide Wine Centre. Guests include representatives of some of the 130 charities and organisations the Employee Foundation has supported over the years, along with staff who have been long standing payroll donors, or the most active volunteers.

A permanent memento of the event will be a piece of art specially commissioned from one of the clients of the Hutt Street Centre, to be hung at the SA Power Networks head office.

The milestone has also been marked by SA Power Networks employees completing a bingo card featuring 20 Acts of Kindness. From donating blood, to giving a fellow employee a shout out, the activities on the card demonstrate the philosophy at the heart of the Foundation – that it’s easy to make a difference.

SA Power Networks Chief Executive Officer Andrew Bills said the Employee Foundation reflects something very special about the business and its people.

“The Employee Foundation demonstrates the genuine care our people have for each other and the communities in which we live and work,” Mr Bills said.

“It has created a meaningful way for our people to give back, support others and make a lasting difference across South Australia and beyond.  

“Every donation, every hour volunteered, every act of support has contributed to something much bigger; a culture of kindness, connection and community that continues to make a positive difference.”

About 30 percent of SA Power Networks’ 2,900 employees contribute to the Foundation through payroll donations, which is a significant proportion when benchmarked against other organisational charities of its type. Even more volunteer their time or expertise.

The 20 year milestone is an opportunity to reflect, recognise and thank everyone who has helped shape the Foundation’s legacy.

But with the $6 million dollar donation mark passed last year, and the tally already climbing past $6.7 million this year, that legacy will still be building for many years to come.

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Learn more about the Employee Foundation