BEHLEN Steel Buildings United Way Campaign

Brandon (MB) – December 10, 2014

Behlen Industries LP, one of the largest employers in Westman, has once again made the push for donations in support of the United Way in Brandon.

Since 2006, Behlen employees have rallied together to raise money for the United Way. After seeing the success of the first year, the Edwards family, who own and operate Behlen’s parent company WGI Westman Group, realized an excellent opportunity to give back to the community. What started with the Edward’s family contributing a $2,000 donation each year has now moved to them matching the employee donation’s for the past two years. Together, Behlen Industries and WGI Westman Group have raised more than $63,000 for the United Way in the last eight years.

The United Way markets themselves as a “Funder, not a Charity,” as most of the money they raise goes towards social and health support services in Brandon. Because the money goes directly back into the community, with one-in-three people taking advantage of a United Way funded service, it is the perfect opportunity for a business to give back to the entire community.

Behlen raised the money this year with a series of exciting and fun events held in the steel fabrication plant. Kicking the campaign off on Wednesday, November 26, plant workers competed in a Forklift Rodeo – maneuvering the machinery through a complicated obstacle course, while onlookers placed bets and cheered on their favourites. One week later, a Gingerbread House Welding competition took place, giving competing teams 10-minutes to fuse together pre-cut steel into the most festive abode they could imagine. The welding competition showed some amazing holiday talent, and the finished products are being auctioned off within the company to raise additional funds for the campaign. Behlen’s staff rounded out the campaign with a hugely successful Bake Sale, and a fun and funny game of “Family Feud” between the managers and plant staff. Over the course of the campaign, prize baskets, 50/50 draws, and a contest encouraging Behlen workers to donate to United Way through payroll deductions were ongoing.

“The United Way Campaign is an annual event at Behlen and accomplishes a couple of goals,” says Sean Lepper, Behlen Industries Vice President and General Manager.  “Firstly it is a great cause and the money goes to those who need the services.  Secondly it’s a very good way to bring our people together and have some fun with a purpose.  It is successful for us on both counts.”

Last year, Behlen Industries raised $6,200, and was matched by the Edwards family for a total of $12,400. This year, the company raised more than $6,500, being matched by the Edwards family, for a record-smashing total donation of more than $13,000.