The Burlington office of Lloyd’s Register, whose work involves surveying and classifying ships, is celebrating the company’s 250th anniversary by teaming up with the Bay Area Restoration Council (BARC) to help restore and protect the Hamilton Harbour watershed.

Jasmine MacCharles, one of 21 local staffers, said offices around the world were asked to propose charitable ventures worthy of up to $5,000 plus staff volunteer time over a period of nine months.

Burlington chose BARC, even though none of the employees had any prior involvement with the organization.

Branch manager David Lloyd said: “A lot of our business is with owners and operators of Great Lakes cargo ships. That’s why we’re close to the port. We make our living off the lakes, so it makes sense to give back in this way.”

He explained that Lloyd’s Register is not part of the Lloyd’s of London insurance business. Registered as a non-profit venture in Britain, it was founded to work toward the safety of life and equipment at sea.

BARC’s Lainie Tessier said Lloyd’s staff plan to help increase public awareness of BARC’s work, organize fundraising events and take part in conservation efforts such as tree and marsh planting.

The first event, to launch the partnership, is a movie night tomorrow, featuring a free screening of the Science North production Mysteries of the Great Lakes.

It will be held at the Parks Canada Marine Discovery Centre, 57 Discovery Dr., Hamilton. Doors open at 6 p.m.

The film starts at 7. Some seats may still be available. E-mail MacCharles at lrgriffin@lr.org or call 905-631-9420, ext. 101.