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All IBEW locals are encouraged to get involved in the "Go for Gold" campaign to convert medals earned by the North American athletes to dollars to assist disadvantaged children. Each IBEW local will soon be receiving a letter and a video from the International Office describing the campaign around the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.

"This program is win-win for the IBEW and our Olympians," said IBEW President Edwin D. Hill. "Each time the North American athletes medal in an event, another dollar per member from each participating local will go to this worthy worldwide charity."

Go for Gold was born in 1994, when speed skater Johann Olav Koss challenged his fellow Norwegians to donate a dollar each time a Norwegian athlete won a medal at the 1994 Olympic Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway. The campaign raised $18 million for those affected by the war in the former Olympic host city of Sarajevo. Olympic Aid, which administers the Go for the Gold program, is a non-profit humanitarian organization based on the Olympic ideals of peace, human dignity and the promotion of human excellence.

The fundraising potential by the IBEW is far-reaching. If half of the 780,000 members donated $11 each, the program could raise more than $3 million for disadvantaged children worldwide.

The funds raised will go toward sport and play programs supported by Olympic Aid. Each participating local will receive a certificate of appreciation and the local with the highest donation per member will have the certificate presented by an Olympic athlete.

Eighth District International Vice President Jon Walters said Go for Gold is the IBEWs opportunity to show the world its giving spirit.

"We are the union of hearts and minds and we are stepping up to the plate," Walters said.

In conjunction with Utah Powers U.S. Olympic sponsorship, the IBEW is an Official Supporter to the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City.

2002 Olympics Web site

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