Bluescope Steel CSE Report 2005

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North America

The Butler Manufacturing Company Foundation

In North America, the Company supports our communities through the auspices of the Butler Manufacturing Company Foundation ("the Foundation").

The Foundation was established in 1952 as a non-profit organisation to support charitable and cultural activities, and is administered by a Committee of Trustees.

Employees join forces with the Foundation to provide support to their home towns in three major areas: Caring for our Communities; Supporting the Educational Needs and Dreams of our Youth and Inspiring Creativity and Appreciation for the Arts.

In 2004/05, employees gave generously within their communities donating nearly A$350,000.

In addition, the Foundation contributed nearly A$500,000 to local United Way organisations to protect children and families from abuse, violence and crime; secure affordable housing; promote physical and mental health education programs; provide early childhood education; support youth with education, job training and mentoring and provide assistance to the elderly.

Children of continuous full time employees of the Company are eligible to apply for educational support through the Butler and Vistawall Scholarship Program. Since 1954, the Foundation has helped over 300 children of employees to achieve their educational dream of graduating with a four-year degree. In 2004/05, the Foundation awarded eight new scholarships and saw nine previous scholars complete their degree.

The Foundation also supports a range of arts organisations that have a cultural impact on our local communities where employees reside. In Kansas City, Missouri the Foundation has a long history of providing sustainable support to the Kansas City Symphony, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Kansas City Ballet and the Kansas City Repertory Theatre.

The Foundation recently provided a large contribution for the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art campus expansion project. This project included a new building, major renovations to the existing building and a new learning centre for children and adults.

As well as providing funding to major arts institutions the Foundation also offers employees a dollar for dollar matching gift program for qualifying educational and cultural organisations.

A Community Service Award honours associates of the Company who willingly volunteer time and service to enhance the quality of life and the image of the Company in their communities.