Norwegian People’s Aid and Norwegian Red Cross’s Mountain Rescue Service delighted to receive Statkraft’s support

The Statkraft Fund for 2005, worth a total of NOK 5 million, is to be shared equally by Norwegian People’s Aid and the Norwegian Red Cross’s Mountain Rescue Service. 

Jonas Gahr Støre, Secretary General of the Norwegian Red Cross (left) and 
Grete Faremo, chair of Norwegian People’s Aid, receiving the Statkraft Fund 2005 from Statkraft EVP Ragnvald Nærø.

03.06.2005

The newly established Statkraft Fund was awarded to Norwegian People’s Aid and the Norwegian Red Cross’s Mountain Rescue Service in 2005. Both organisations received a grant of NOK 2.5 million. The award ceremony took place at Statkraft’s head office in Oslo. Accepting the award on behalf of Norwegian People’s Aid, board chair Grete Faremo said that news of Statkraft’s decision had been welcomed with delight throughout the organisation.  

“We shall do our best to use the money wisely. There is only one thing to say in a situation like this: thank you very much for this fantastic gift,” she added.

Secretary General Jonas Gahr Støre of the Norwegian Red Cross said he was extremely happy to receive the award, underlining that it will help the organisation carry out its most important task. “This gift will go a long way to enabling us to help save lives all around the country. Thank you for this expression of confidence in us,” he said.

Norwegian People’s Aid and the Norwegian Red Cross’s Mountain Rescue Service were selected to receive this year’s Statkraft Fund because: ‘Both organisations help to make Norway’s mountains more accessible for the general public by providing a rescue service for countryside users. Both organisations therefore meet two important criteria for this award.’ Another important factor was that: ‘Statkraft’s operations in Norway are spread throughout the country. A partnership with the Norwegian Red Cross’s Mountain Rescue Service and Norwegian People’s Aid will highlight the company at a local level in those areas where Statkraft has facilities.’

To coincide with the award ceremony a lifesaving exercise was held, during which Statkraft’s senior managers acted resolutely to rescue a man who was observed floating apparently lifeless in the nearby river. 

Both top management and trainees jumped unhesitatingly into the water and pulled the man ashore. An ambulance quickly arrived on the scene, and those involved received a preview of what they could expect on the first-aid course that all Statkraft employees will attend. 

The Statkraft Fund
Statkraft’s board of directors has given its backing to the establishment of a fund whose purpose is to give financial support to worthy causes. The fund will award up to NOK 5 million each year to voluntary organisations, charitable foundations, etc, on the basis of either an application from the organisation itself or after a decision by Statkraft’s management. The project is entitled the ‘Statkraft Fund – Teaming up with Nature’. The Statkraft Fund can be awarded to one project, but may also be divided among several candidates. The award is a lump-sum grant. However, the Statkraft Fund may decide to support the same cause for more than one year in succession.

Applicants must send in a completed application form by 1 November and document that the funds will be used for the purpose stated. Further information about how to apply for the Statkraft Fund can be obtained from statkraftfondet@statkraft.com.

For further information about this years winners:
• Norges Røde Kors 
• Norsk Folkehjelp