OTTAWA, December 3, 2009 – United Way Ottawa, Enbridge Gas Distribution and Hydro Ottawa today launched the 2009-2010 Winter Warmth Program, providing financial assistance to low-income families and individuals finding it difficult to pay their natural gas and electricity bills.

“We are delighted once again this year 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. “The leadership of these organizations has helped to keep the lights and heat on for hundreds of families in Ottawa. Our community has benefited greatly from their commitment to this program.” 

Last winter 255 families in the Ottawa area received assistance with their heating bill – a total of 850 people, 471 of whom were children. That’s up from the 207 households that were assisted the previous winter.  

“Nothing is more important than a warm, safe place to call home, and the Winter Warmth program helps hundreds of families in Ottawa stay warm and housed every year,” said Rosemarie Leclair, President and CEO of the Hydro Ottawa Group of Companies. “That’s why we’re proud to help support this vital program for a fifth consecutive year.” 

“With the cold weather fast approaching, we’re committed to helping families in the Ottawa community stay warm this winter,” said Will Akkermans, General Manager, Enbridge Gas Distribution, Eastern Region. “Together with Hydro Ottawa, United Way and the Salvation Army Ottawa Booth Centre, the Winter Warmth program will help deliver financial assistance to families and individuals struggling to pay their heating bills this season.”

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 fifth season in Ottawa.

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 four years ago, more than 726 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 most. In 2009, United Way Ottawa made a record community investment to support nearly 200 projects, programs and partnerships in more than 100 community organizations.

For more information on United Way Ottawa:
Kate Headley, United Way Ottawa
Phone: (613) 683-3823 or Cell: (613) 294-8128
Email: kheadley@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:
Rosemary Walsh
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