TORONTO, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - Feb. 1, 2006) - Enbridge Gas Distribution (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB), Toronto Hydro and United Way today announced that the Winter Warmth Fund is now accepting public donations to help more low-income households with heat this winter. United Way of Greater Toronto will administer donations, and donors will be able to direct contributions to their local communities.
"Managing all their financial commitments, including winter heating costs, can be a challenge for many low-income households," said Enbridge Gas Distribution President Jim Schultz. "Through the Winter Warmth Fund, we can reach out to help individuals and families in need and help create a warmer community. Additional donations will ensure that the Fund can help more of our neighbours in need this year."
The Winter Warmth Fund for the 2005-2006 heating season was launched in early December. The Fund is expected to help more than 1000 low-income families and individuals this year across Ontario.
"Our customers sometimes need help paying their energy bills. This is a very important program and, unfortunately, it's needed in our community," said David O'Brien, President and CEO of Toronto Hydro Corporation. "We are pleased to help when we can."
Enbridge Gas Distribution and Toronto Hydro customers will receive a Winter Warmth Fund donation form in their February bills. Donations will be accepted between February 1 and March 31, 2006 and will be payable to the United Way of Greater Toronto. Donations of $20 or more will receive a tax receipt from United Way. The donor form in Enbridge Gas Distribution bills will provide donors with the option to direct their contribution to the community of their choice.
"The Winter Warmth Fund will provide families and individuals with much needed support with their energy costs during the cold winter months," said Frances Lankin, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way of Greater Toronto. "United Way is excited to be working with Enbridge Gas Distribution and Toronto Hydro to expand the impact of the Winter Warmth Fund through customer donations."
The fund was initially established in Toronto during the winter of 2004, and since that time has expanded to include local United Ways and agencies in more communities throughout Ontario. Resources for the annual program are contributed by Enbridge Gas Distribution, Toronto Hydro and other Ontario utilities, and are available to eligible customers of those companies. The program is administered by local United Ways in the following Ontario communities through their network of community-based agencies.
Eligible customers can contact these community agencies to determine funding eligibility or submit an application.
Ajax-Pickering-Uxbridge Community Development Council Durham (905) 686-2661 Barrie and Greater Simcoe County Simcoe County Alliance to End Homelessness/United Way (705) 726-2301 City of Kawartha Lakes A Place Called Home (705) 328-0905 Leeds and Grenville 1000 Islands Credit Counselling Centre (613) 498-2111 Niagara Falls and Greater Fort Erie Project S.H.A.R.E. (905) 357-5121 Oshawa-Whitby-Clarington Community Development Council Durham (905) 686-2661 Ottawa The Salvation Army Ottawa Booth Centre (613) 241-1573 Peel Region Caledon Community Services (905) 584-9460 or 1-800-985-2471 (Toll-free) Peterborough & District Community Counselling/Housing Resource Centre (705) 743-9122 Renfrew County Canadian Red Cross (613) 735-1157 St. Catharines & District Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold (905) 685-1349 Toronto Neighbourhood Information Post (416) 924-2543 Welland Community Resource and Action Centre (The Hope Centre) (905) 788-0744 York Region Canadian Mental Health Association - York Region (905) 841-3977 or 1-866-345-0224 (Toll-free)
For more information or a Winter Warmth Fund donation form, visit www.enbridge.com/winterwarmth or www.torontohydro.com/winterwarmth. Questions about donations can be directed to United Way of Greater Toronto at (416) 777-2001.