Hampton-Piggs Peak Partnership

I am, because you are.

An AIDS epidemic, on a scale unknown anywhere else in the world, is devastating Swaziland. In the face of their suffering, the Swazi people cling to an ideal they call “ubuntu”, the essence of humanity that tells us we are all connected and should care for each other.

Energy Atlantica is proud to partner with the community of Hampton NB to care for our neighbours, the people of Swaziland…the people of Piggs Peak. In the spirit of ubuntu, we are – because they are.

Origin Story

Ms. Thandi Nhlengethwa, Director of The AIDS Information and Support Centre (TASC) in Swaziland, visited Hampton High School in Hampton, NB in 2004. Mark Bettle, the founder of HPPP, was invited to listen to her presentation by a teacher at Hampton High School.

Mark listened to Thandi convey statistics about the impacts of HIV/AIDS in Swaziland and learned that they have the highest incidence of HIV/AIDS and the lowest life expectancy in the world. He listened as Thandi told the stories about teenage girls raising younger siblings; 80-year old grandmothers caring for as many as 12 grandchildren in a one-room hut; and 6-year old children being afraid of dying, because death is all they see and was immediately compelled to help.

Mark travelled to Piggs Peak, a town in Swaziland, to see the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS first hand. Through several meetings with the people of Piggs Peak and residents of the Town of Hampton, the Hampton-Piggs Peak Partnership was formed.

“I could not be more proud of GIVETOLIVE and what the team has achieved. Not only was founding this charity one of the best business decisions I’ve ever made, it was one of my best life decisions as well. I see our team members work together, sweat together and thrive together; inspiring people to lead happier and healthier lives through acts of generosity and achievement of physical feats which at first seemed impossible. I love that we share a passion for giving back to the community and working on issues much greater then ourselves.”

Todd McDonald, CEO Energy Atlantica and Co-Founder of GIVETOLIVE

"Brigadoon Village has been able to grow our program services to children and families living with chronic illness directly because of the support of the team at Energy Atlantica and GIVETOLIVE. I have never encountered a group so willing to give of their time to engage and execute on their plans to make the place where they live better. Their commitment to their community embodies the values of their leadership and we feel tremendously fortunate to call them a partner and friends!”
Dave Graham, Executive Director, Brigadoon Village
“I’ll never forget the moment when Todd came out of the water at the end of the very first BIG SWIM after swimming across the Northumberland Strait that first time. It was such a proud moment for us all.”
Stephen, Energy Atlantica
"One of my favourite GIVETOLIVE memories is the very first BIG RIDE when we went to Austin, Texas with 60 people. I started off only knowing 12 of them, but it didn’t take long for that to change. It was the longest ride I’ve ever done. It was super scary and awesome at the same time.”
Paul, Energy Atlantica
“I love hearing about the motivation behind why our event participants are there. They’re always so very inspirational. My own personal moment came when my feet touched the sand on the PEI side after completing my first BIG SWIM with my family (and my extended GIVETOLIVE family) there to greet me.”
Heather, Energy Atlantica
”Energy Atlantica through GIVETOLIVE has been one of the Canadian Cancer Society’s strongest supporters here in Nova Scotia. Their volunteers and participants have the winning combination of determination to give back and drive to live life to the extreme. We applaud their commitment to supporting physical activity and are proud to partner with such an amazing group of people.”
Canadian Cancer Society