For Immediate Release
2001-11-29
For further information contact:
Shawn Peters, City of Kingston, 546-1181 ext. 2245
UTILITIES KINGSTON TO 'SHARE THE WARMTH' THIS WINTER - PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL CHARITY THAT BUYS HEAT AND
ENERGY FOR THOSE IN NEED
Utilities Kingston is proud to announce its partnership with the popular charity, 'SHARE THE WARMTH' a registered, not for
profit charity that purchases heat and energy on behalf of families, seniors, terminally ill and disabled persons living at or
near poverty level.
Share the Warmth is a cashless charity that does not give money directly to applicants; it converts 100% of all public
donations to heat for households and relief agencies in need.
The charity presently serves 4 million households in over 400 communities.
According to Utilities Kingston President and CEO, Jim Keech, Share the Warmth partners with local agencies such as the
Salvation Army and Red Cross who are the first contact for applicants.
'When people are in danger of having their service disconnected for non-payment they contact a local agency where agency staff
will assist in filling out applications forms', says Keech.
'Having this program in place will also reduce the anxiety we (Utilities Kingston staff) feel when faced with disconnecting
people. It's heartbreaking to have to do that. After all, our staff are neighbours to the people we serve daily. We are very
pleased to be part of Share the Warmth program.'
According to Keech, the charity has an integrated management tool deployed over a secure network that allows for automatic
application processing.
'Agency partners enter an applicant’s information through the online access point and receive response as to status of
application and amount approved. We can also view the records of its customers who have applied for assistance, the amount
approved and the status of payment', says Keech.
Utilities Kingston will be inserting 'SHARE THE WARMTH' donation cards in the December utility bill that will encourage its
customers, both residents and businesses to make cash donations to the uniquely winter program.
Utilities Kingston customers can simply make a cheque payable to 'Share the Warmth' and mail it in the addressed envelope
provided in Decembers utility bill.
Customers can also call an automated donation telephone number at 1-900-565-WARM (9276) to donate $35.00. The donation will
appear on the donor’s telephone bill.
As part of Utilities Kingston commitment to the initiative, the utility company will pay “Share the Warmth” 7.5 cents per
billable customer or about $3,000 annually a fee that covers marketing, promotion and various administrative costs.
Utilities Kingston is also responsible for costs associated with printing the donation 'bill stuffer'.
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