BC Hydro’s Khalid Hasan – photo 250News

Prince George, B.C. – BC Hydro employees have been cooking up a storm.

The results of those efforts were on display at their annual Prince George Chili Cook-Off at their headquarters off 22^nd Avenue this afternoon.

Proceeds from the event go to the United Way of Northern BC, which distributes the money to 23 charities – including Parent Support Services.

“It’s really helpful for grandparents raising grandchildren and parents who need support circles,” said regional coordinator Jessica Turner of the money they receive.

“The grandparents raising grandkids support circle is a really important piece of work for our agency because grandparents raising grandkids don’t get a lot of support. They don’t get financial support the way foster parents do and they have a lot of other barriers. So, we provide support groups for them.”

Khalid Hasan, a design specialist and BC Hydro spokesperson for the cook-off, said they hold the event to raise awareness among their employees.

“The chili-cook off is to make people excited to come and know about the United Way and to see how it’s impacting their community.”

Last year the cook off raised about $13,000 says the United Way’s campaign and engagement officer Roberta Squire.

“BC Hydro has been very instrumental – they work, play and live all around northern, B.C.,” she said. “So their money will go all throughout this region.”