OTTAWA, February 11, 2009 - United Way Ottawa is thrilled to welcome Hydro One as a new partner in support of Ottawa's Winter Warmth Program. This program provides financial assistance to low-income families and individuals finding it difficult to pay their natural gas and electricity bills.
"With the addition of Hydro One as a new partner in the Winter Warmth Program more customers in the rural areas of Ottawa will be eligible for assistance at a time when help is needed most," says Michael Allen, President and CEO, United Way/Centraide.
"Hydro One has a long standing tradition of giving back to the communities in which we live and work," said Myles D'Arcey, Senior Vice President, Operations, Hydro One. "Through our partnership with United Way/Centraide we can support the Winter Warmth Program and lend a helping hand to those people who need our help the most."
United Way/Centraide oversees the program, which is delivered through a network of local agencies, and centrally administered by the Salvation Army Ottawa Booth Centre. Hydro One will join existing partners, Hydro Ottawa and Enbridge Gas Distribution, by providing the utilities. Since launching the program three years ago, more than 471 Ottawa households have received financial assistance to help pay their natural gas and electricity bills.
The 2008/2009 Winter Warmth Program runs until June 30.
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 or Cell: 613-299-2466
Email: nbaker@unitedwayottawa.ca
For more information on Hydro One:
Hydro One Media Relations
Phone: 416-345-6868
Website: www.HydroOne.com