TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 18, 2009) - The Saint Elizabeth Health Care Foundation will extend home care support and resources to an additional 1,500 Ontario families caring for loved ones at home, thanks to a generous $195,000 commitment from Enbridge Gas Distribution (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB).
The gift will allow the Saint Elizabeth Health Care Foundation to further expand its signature Caregiver Support Program, which provides essential care, training and support to overburdened family caregivers. To date, the Foundation has provided more than 38,000 hours of charitable respite care free of charge to families in need.
"Canada is experiencing a serious eldercare crunch, which is putting caregivers under tremendous strain to provide front-line care, meet other family needs and continue to earn an income, while coping with the impact that caregiving has on their lives," says Dr. Joan Lesmond, executive director of the Foundation. "With the support of Enbridge Gas Distribution, we will be able to reach out to more Ontario families to ensure they have the knowledge and tools they need to provide the best care for their loved ones."
Over three million Canadians are now caring for an elderly, chronically ill or dying relative at home. According to the Canadian Health Consumer Survey (2009), the average caregiver spent 20 hours a week caring for four years, with 25 per cent of caregivers spending 40 hours a week. One in four caregivers has no help; one in four has paid help; and 61 per cent need more help.
"Enbridge is proud to answer the call and support family caregivers in the communities we serve," says Janet Holder, president of Enbridge Gas Distribution. "Saint Elizabeth Health Care and the Foundation are making a real and measurable difference in the lives of individuals and their families which helps build healthier communities."
Enbridge Gas Distribution traces its roots to 1848 when the Company's motto was "for the good of the community." That tradition has survived more than 160 years and today Enbridge remains committed to the communities it serves. Enbridge's community investment program focuses on efforts that help build healthy, vibrant and sustainable communities in the areas of health and safety, environment, culture and community, and education.
ABOUT SAINT ELIZABETH HEALTH CARE
Saint Elizabeth Health Care has been an active participant in the development and delivery of community health care since 1908. Today, an award-winning organization and not-for-profit charitable leader, Saint Elizabeth Health Care employs nearly 4,000 multidisciplinary staff, shares its knowledge nationally and internationally through consultation, knowledge exchange products and services, and delivers 3.3 million home-care visits a year. For more information about Saint Elizabeth Health Care and Foundation, visit www.saintelizabeth.com.
ABOUT SAINT ELIZABETH HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION
To help lead community health care into the 21st century, Saint Elizabeth Health Care Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for the advancement of knowledge and charitable initiatives in home and community care. We are especially interested in funding and promoting programs that assist individuals and families in maximizing their health and quality of life. In May 2009, the Foundation received the Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the Ontario Palliative Care Association in recognition of its record of exceptional generosity of financial support, outstanding civic and philanthropic leadership in the true spirit of hospice palliative care in Ontario.
ABOUT ENBRIDGE GAS DISTRIBUTION
Enbridge Gas Distribution has a 160-year history and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. Enbridge Gas Distribution is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution. Enbridge Gas Distribution and its affiliates distribute natural gas to about 1.9 million customers in Ontario, New York State, New Brunswick and southwestern Quebec. For more information visit www.enbridgegas.com.
Janet Holder, President, Enbridge Gas Distribution (middle) presented a cheque for $195,000 to Dr. Joan Lesmond, Executive Director, Saint Elizabeth Health Care Foundation (left) and Shirlee Sharkey, President and CEO, Saint Elizabeth Health Care in Toronto on June 17, 2009.
To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link:
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For more information please contact:
Saint Elizabeth Health Care
Madonna Gallo
(416) 882-7930
Email: mgallo@saintelizabeth.com
or
Enbridge Gas Distribution
Media Contact:
Lisa McCarney-Warus
(416) 495-5662
Email: lisa.mccarney@enbridge.com
Website: www.enbridgegas.com