Sempra Energy today announced that the company is launching an annual charitable-contribution program for Veterans Day to benefit support organizations for veterans and their families, with the inaugural grant of $20,000 going to the Gary Sinise Foundation.
The Gary Sinise Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to assisting service members, first responders, veterans and their families.
This year's grant will support the Gary Sinise Foundation's R.I.S.E. program, which provides wounded veterans and their families the resources they need to increase their mobility and overcome new life challenges. This includes home modifications, adapted vehicles, mobility devices or constructing specially adapted smart homes.
"We're proud to initiate this annual grant program to assist U.S. veterans who have sacrificed to protect our great nation's freedom and our way of life," said Jeffrey W. Martin, CEO of Sempra Energy. "I am honored that Sempra Energy employs nearly 1,000 veterans across our family of companies, who bring value to the communities we serve every day."
"We are thankful for supporters like Sempra Energy for their generous contribution to help change the lives for those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom," said Judith Otter, chief operating officer of the Gary Sinise Foundation. "With our R.I.S.E. program, we currently have 70 homes completed or underway. These 100-percent mortgage-free, specially adapted homes restore independence for our severely wounded heroes and ease daily life for them and their loved ones."
Sempra Energy is committed to supporting veteran employees, as well as veterans who live in the communities where the company operates. Sempra Energy regularly participates in job-recruitment events for veterans and the company has supplier-diversity programs that advocate for procurement opportunities for businesses owned by service-disabled veterans, women, minorities and LGBT-owned business enterprises. Through grants and employee volunteerism, the company also supports various organizations in the communities it serves.