IBEW LOCAL 164 MEMBERS INSPIRE BY EXAMPLE THROUGH GIFT OF HIGHLY TRAINED SKILLS

IBEW Local 164

Volunteer Week a Time to Thank Those Who Give
PARAMUS, N.J., April 10, 2007 – Like the biblical proverb states, “It is better to give than to receive.” Nationwide, millions of men, women and children, including the more than 3,900 members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 164, embrace the true meaning of this ancient adage on a daily basis. 
National Volunteer Week, April 15 – 21, is an ideal opportunity to recognize all those who unselfishly give of themselves through their talents and resources to help others without expecting anything in return.

"Although National Volunteer Week is a time to publicly acknowledge the altruistic efforts of our members, all of us at IBEW Local 164 commend the unwavering commitment of the numerous local organizations with whom we have partnered to help make life better for those in need,” said Richard Dressel, Local 164 business manager. “The members of Local 164 simply help in the way we know best, which is through our highly trained electrical and telecommunications skills. Knowing we can, and do, make a difference is the best reward.”

The Local performs community outreach projects on an on-going basis throughout New Jersey. Recent efforts include participating in Rebuilding Together Bergen County (April 28 this year) and Jersey City (April 14 this year), an annual nationwide home repair event to help seniors and families; Habitat for Humanity; performing electrical upgrades on behalf of St. John’s Baptist Church Food Pantry in Fairview; an annual toy drive for local children as well as those whose parents are serving in the armed forces; and participation in REBUILD 1000!, a national effort to rehabilitate 1,000 Gulf Coast houses affected by last year’s storms, by sending electricians to work on homes in New Orleans. The Local also donated $5,000 to the Adler Aphasia Center in Bergen County, a unique facility assisting those with aphasia, a condition that limits the ability to communicate.

Additionally, Local 164 has raised more than $250,000 as part of Project Grandma, an annual fund-raising project established in honor of breast cancer survivors and their families. Proceeds benefit support groups and programs specially designed for patients, their loved ones and children. The funds benefit cancer support services at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, N.J., and Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey of Hackensack, N.J.

“We take social responsibility very seriously,” explained Dressel. “All an organization has to do is ask and demonstrate a need. If we can do it, we will.”

National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 by President Richard Nixon and is sponsored annually by the Points of Light Foundation. The nationwide event spotlights volunteers who dedicate their time, talents and energy to those in need. Members of the IBEW Local 164 Volunteer Committee embrace this year’s theme, “Inspire by Example.” 

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 164 is dedicated to providing its more than 3,900 members throughout Bergen, Hudson and Essex counties with integral services that elevate the level of electrical and telecommunications expertise as well as the quality of life for its members. IBEW Local 164 provides all of its members with a full continuum of professional education at two state-of-the-art training facilities in Paramus and Toms River, New Jersey. Local 164 includes electricians active within the tri-county area as well as telecommunications workers contracted throughout the state. Today, the IBEW includes more than 800,000 members worldwide. For more information, please call (201) 265-1700 or visit the web site www.ibewlocal164.com.