Nexen opens doors in the fight against breast cancer

13.12.2012  |  CNW

$100,000 donation assists Compassion House Foundation

FORT MCMURRAY, AB, Dec. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - Nexen Inc. is helping northern Alberta residents battling breast cancer with a $100,000 donation to Sorrentino's Compassion House, a warm and supportive environment for women undergoing breast cancer treatment, diagnosis or follow up care at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton.

"At Nexen, giving back to the communities where we live and work is one of our core values," says Kris Geekie, Director, Community Consultation and Regulatory Affairs, Oil Sands. "Sorrentino's Compassion House helps residents from over 160 communities in northern Alberta who are fighting breast cancer, and many of them live in the Wood Buffalo region. At Nexen, we want to do our part to help our neighbours in the fight of their lives."

The donation is being made as part of the Growing Compassion drive, a $5 million capital campaign to raise funds to more than double the number of Compassion House guest suites from six to 14, improve access throughout the house, and create a sustainability fund for the facility.

"The financial, physical and emotional impacts of a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming to a family, especially when you have to travel for treatment," explains Mellissa Kraft, Executive Director, Compassion House Foundation. "We are so grateful to Nexen Inc. for supporting our expansion project so more women from across northern Alberta will have access to supportive, affordable accommodation during cancer treatment."

On Thursday, Dec. 13, Kris Geekie will be available to discuss Nexen's contribution along with two Fort McMurray residents who have been helped by Sorrentino's Compassion House in their fight against breast cancer. Media are invited to learn more about Sorrentino's Compassion House and the important work they do. A representative of Compassion House Foundation will also be available to answer questions.

Date
9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, December 13, Fort McMurray, Alberta
Telephone media availability with resident(s) of Sorrentino's Compassion House and Nexen's Kris Geekie. The residents are available for photos on December 13 as well.

Nexen is a 65% owner and the operator of the Long Lake integrated steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) and upgrading operation, located 40 km southeast of Fort McMurray, which began producing in 2008.



SOURCE Nexen Inc.

Davis Sheremata
Manager, External Communications
Phone: 403-470-1447
801 - 7th Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 3P7

Mellissa Kraft
Executive Director, Compassion House Foundation
(780) 434-7290
mkraft@compassionhouse.org

www.nexeninc.com