New Series Highlighting Volunteerism

Launches; Matt McDonald First to Be

Featured
JUNE 15, 2021
At DLC, supporting the community is at the center of everything we do. We power lights
to empower lives. And one of our core values is being selfless in serving the community,
both on the job and through volunteerism. It’s our employees who make this
commitment possible. With that, we are excited to announce the launch of our new
monthly series, “DLCares.”
Each month, we’ll feature an employee highlighting a cause they‘re passionate about.
For our first profile, we talked to Matt McDonald, EV Marketing Specialist,
Transportation Electrification, and a “Big” with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of
Greater Pittsburgh. If you’re interested in learning more after reading this spotlight, Matt
will be hosting a virtual information session about the organization on Tuesday, June
22. Details are included below.
Read on to learn about Matt’s experience as a “Big.”

How long have you volunteered with BBBS?

I’ve been volunteering as a mentor for just about two years now, and I joined the
organization’s Young Professionals Board about a year ago.
Can you describe the role of a “Big” and what it means to you?
As a “Big,” my role is to serve as a positive role model and mentor for my eight-year-old
“Little,” Stacy. I first met him when he was six. Since then, we’ve spent time together
just about every other week. Through this time, we’re able to learn and grow with each
other. Mentorship is critical for everyone, especially for at-risk children who need
someone to look up to and lean on. Being that for Stacy has meant so much more to me
than I imagined when I first became a “Big.” Stacy and I have very different
backgrounds and experiences, so he also has taught me so much about life.
What sort of events and activities have you participated in through the
organization?
Before the pandemic, Stacy and I participated in many outings through BBBS, such as
Penguins games and trips to the Carnegie Science Center and Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG
Aquarium. When the pandemic began, we maintained our mentorship through
FaceTime until we were able to hang out safely together again. Now, we take lots of
trips to parks around the city, and I try to make it to as many of his sporting events as I
can.
What has been your favorite part of volunteering with BBBS?
My favorite part overall has been watching Stacy learn, grow and succeed over the past
two years. I’m so proud of the person he’s becoming and can’t wait to see what the
coming years bring for him.
One of my favorite memories with BBBS actually involves Duquesne Light. In 2019,
DLC partnered with the organization for the lighting of our “Tree of Lights” at Point State
Park to kick off the holiday season. DLC invited a “Big” and “Little,” Jared and Jamari, to
flip the switch on the giant tree in front of local TV cameras. It was awesome to watch
Jamari’s face light up with the tree as he got to be part of a special Pittsburgh moment.
You can read more about that special moment here.
From your perspective, why would you encourage other people to volunteer with
the organization?
I encourage others to volunteer or support BBBS because you could have a meaningful
and measurable impact in the lives of at-risk children using the power of mentorship.
Hundreds of children in our area alone are waiting for a match; with your time, you could
help unlock their potential and change the trajectory of their lives for the better.
Want to Learn More?
We’re hosting a virtual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh information
session on Tuesday, June 22 from noon-1 p.m. You can find more information and sign
up here.
While being selfless is one of the core values that guides our work, we know our
employees embody this even outside of DLC. If you also volunteer in your personal
time, we encourage you to use our Volunteer Platform to log those volunteer
hours here. For questions, refer to the Volunteer Platform Job Aid.
About “DLCares”
“DLCares” is a monthly internal series designed to help employees learn more about
our fellow colleagues and the causes they care about, while highlighting volunteer
opportunities.
Interested in being featured? Please provide brief responses to all questions in
this form. Submit the form along with an appropriate photo of yourself volunteering
to jvelandia@duqlight.com for a chance to be featured on DLConnect. If chosen to be
highlighted, you will be contacted accordingly. Note that submission does not guarantee
you will be featured.