United Way Ottawa, Enbridge Gas Distribution and Hydro Ottawa reunite to support 2008-2009 Winter Warmth Program
OTTAWA, December 1, 2008 - United Way/Centraide Ottawa, Enbridge Gas Distribution and Hydro Ottawa launched the 2008-2009 Winter Warmth Program today, providing financial assistance to low-income families and individuals finding it difficult to pay their natural gas and electricity bills.
"We are delighted to work with Hydro Ottawa and Enbridge on this important initiative that has helped so many families in need," said Michael Allen, President and CEO of United Way Ottawa. "Their leadership has helped to keep the lights and heat on for hundreds of families in Ottawa. Our community has benefited greatly from their commitment to make this a healthier and better place to live."
Last winter 207 families received assistance with their heating bill - a total of 662 people - 376 of whom were children. That's up from the 157 households that were assisted the previous winter.
"We have seen a significant increase in demand for Winter Warmth funding," said Rosemarie Leclair, President and CEO of the Hydro Ottawa Group of Companies. "Our community is very important to us and these numbers illustrate just how valuable Winter Warmth assistance is for the residents of Ottawa. We are proud to be playing a role in helping families in need stay warm and safe."
"By working together with Hydro Ottawa, United Way/Centraide and the Salvation Army Ottawa Booth Centre, we are helping individuals and families in need stay warm this winter," said Will Akkermans, General Manager, Enbridge Gas Distribution, Eastern Region. "Through our coordinated efforts, we hope that Winter Warmth help even more households this year."
The Winter Warmth Program was established in Toronto during the winter of 2004-2005 and has expanded to include 16 municipalities in Ontario. It is now in its fourth season in Ottawa.
The United Way oversees the program, which is delivered through a network of local agencies, and centrally administered by the Salvation Army Ottawa Booth Centre. Hydro Ottawa and Enbridge Gas Distribution are the funding utilities for the program in Ottawa. Since combining efforts three years ago, more than 471 Ottawa households have received financial assistance to help pay their electricity bill.
How the Program Works
Eligible grant recipients include low-income households who are in arrears or at risk of going into arrears on their energy bills and have exhausted all other sources of financial support. Successful applicants will receive one-time funding that will be credited directly to their utility account.
Families and individuals needing financial assistance to pay their heating and hydro bills can find information about the Winter Warmth Program at their nearest community organization or by contacting the Salvation Army Ottawa Booth Centre.
About United Way Ottawa
United Way Ottawa's mission is to bring people and resources together to build a strong, healthy, safe, community for all. By bringing people together from all parts of our community to identify, develop and provide solutions to community needs, we promise that the donations we receive go where they are needed the most. In 2008, United Way/Centraide made a record community investment to support more than 200 projects, programs and partnerships in more than 100 community organizations.
For more information on United Way/Centraide Ottawa:
Kate Headley, United Way/Centraide Ottawa
Phone: (613) 221-0063
Email: nbaker@unitedwayottawa.ca
For more information on Enbridge Gas Distribution:
Lisa McCarney
Manager, Media and External Communications
Phone: (416) 495-5662
Email: Lisa.mccarney@enbridge.com
For more information on Hydro Ottawa Limited:
R. Susan Barrett
Manager, Communications & Public Affairs
Media Pager: (613) 221-0063
For more information on the Salvation Army Ottawa Booth Centre
Michael Maidment
Area Director for Public Relations & Development
Phone: (613) 233-8428
Email: michael_maidment@can.salvationarmy.org