John Heino, ECE vice president, business and community relations, presents the first Touchstone Energy Community Award to Teresa Nelson, executive director, and Helen Olson, board member, Rum River Interfaith Caregivers, Princeton, Minn.

Rum River Interfaith Caregivers wins Touchstone Energy Community Award "

Non-profit recognized for making a difference in the community

BRAHAM, Minn. — East Central Energy's Operation Round Up Trust Board selected Rum River Interfaith Caregivers (RRIC) as the winning nominee for the first Touchstone Energy Community Award.

RRIC Executive Director Teresa Nelson and Board Director Helen Olson accepted the award and a $250 donation during a meeting of ECE's Board of Directors.

"On behalf of our 270 volunteers and the 30 congregations that support the work of Rum River Interfaith Caregivers, we deeply appreciate this recognition," said Nelson.

Based in Princeton, Minn., RRIC is a private, non-profit organization that provides volunteer services to people living in difficult life circumstances. The caregivers help people maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life. Hundreds of individuals and families have benefited from services such as transportation, respite care, cancer support, home maintenance and a senior resource center. This results in more than 6,000 acts of compassion that RRIC provides annually.

"Commitment to community is a fundamental cooperative principle and it's also one of the four guiding principles for Touchstone Energy cooperatives," said Garry Bye, ECE's president and CEO. "Rum River Interfaith Caregivers lives that commitment each day as they help our friends and neighbors in need."

As a local Community Award winner, RRIC joins local winners selected by other Touchstone Energy cooperatives to be considered for the statewide Community Award. The winner will be announced at the Minnesota Rural Electric Association's Annual Meeting in February. The statewide award includes a $1,000 donation.

About East Central Energy: East Central Energy www.eastcentralenergy.com is a member-owned electric cooperative serving more than 54,000 homes, farms and businesses in east central Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. ECE also provides Internet and long distance services. About East Central Energy: East Central Energy www.eastcentralenergy.com is a member-owned electric cooperative serving more than 54,000 homes, farms and businesses in east central Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. ECE also provides Internet and long distance services.