We are committed to purposeful philanthropy and community outreach that involves Ameren’s co-workers, leverages Ameren’s business offerings and creates lasting impacts for our customers. As one of the largest employers in our region, Ameren has a corporate citizenship responsibility to support our communities. We create community impact through philanthropic contributions, volunteerism and providing in-kind donations.
When the St. Louis Blues score, kids' charities score. Ameren Missouri donates $500 for every power play goal the Blues score, at home or away, during the regular season. Then fans vote on which local charity will benefit from the donation. Fair Harbor received $22,500 from this program, helping their efforts to assist victims of child abuse.
Ameren Missouri and KidSmart continued their long-term partnership by collaborating on a pilot program to provide 10,000 Central Missouri students and their classrooms with essential educational resources and school supplies. On July 30, 2024, a "Teacher Drive-Thru Distribution Event" distributed $400,000 worth of supplies to over 300 teachers from 43 schools across 16 counties in Central Missouri. KidSmart provides critical and stable educational resources for tens of thousands of students whose families live in poverty. Throughout each school year, KidSmart distributes millions of school supplies to equip students in need for learning and success in school.
Ameren once again partnered with the St. Louis Area Foodbank to sponsor the Thanks for Giving Community Challenge Grant, helping feed families across Missouri and Illinois. Throughout the month of November, Ameren matched donated to the Foodbank up to $200,000. This year's campaign helped raise $598,000 that translated into just over two million meals for families through the holiday season. Through a robust network of community partners and programs throughout 26 counties in Missouri and Illinois, the Foodbank helps provide access to food and resources to individuals facing food insecurity.
In September, Ameren joined other area utilities and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis to launch the C.A.R.E (Career Advancement & Readiness in Energy) pre-apprenticeship initiative as part of the Energy Jobs Program. This joint effort between the National Urban League and the Center for Energy Workforce Development aims to bridge the gap between job seekers in underrepresented populations and energy career opportunities. St. Louis is one of five inaugural cities for this initiative, which aims to train over 100 individuals through the C.A.R.E. Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
Ameren Illinois employees volunteered to help the East St. Louis Community Tennis Association with a safety issue at the Al Penelton tennis courts in Lincoln Park. The outdated lights, hanging from nearly 50-year-old poles, posed a danger as one had already fallen and damaged a fence. Ameren Illinois' volunteers used a bucket truck to safely remove the lights and poles. The association plans to replace the lights and poles to enhance the courts' appearance and safety for future events and lessons.
The future of the energy industry depends on today’s students. Ameren offers resources to help teachers and parents teach kids about energy, so they can grow up to be more informed consumers and perhaps spark an interest in a career in energy. Energy education programs help kids understand how electricity works, how to be safe around electricity and natural gas, and easy ways they can conserve energy at home.