For Immediate Release
2002-12-05
For further information contact:
Jim Keech, President and CEO Utilities Kingston, 546-1181 ext. 2217
CITIZENS CAN "SHARE THE WARMTH"
AGAIN: HOMELESS PREVENTION PROGRAM PROVIDES HEAT AND ENERGY FOR PEOPLE IN NEED
Nearly 200 Utilities Kingston customers and families were assisted through donations to Share the Warmth in the last two
years. The charity applies 100% of donations directly to the energy bills of low-income families to help keep their heat
on during the winter months. Among those kept warm during the last two winters were 105 minor children and 28 disabled/terminally
ill persons.
"Given the intensity and duration of Kingston winters, it is important that families most in need in our community
receive help with heating their homes," says Mayor Isabel Turner, Mayor of the City of Kingston. "This is particularly
true if there is a child or senior in the home. Kingston is a compassionate and strong City. The City is pleased to
assist with this program which provides energy assistance to families, seniors, disabled and terminally ill people who
cannot meet their energy expenditures," adds Mayor Turner.
"As a partner with Share the Warmth, Utilities Kingston is committed to offering help and improving the quality of life
for the people in the City of Kingston," says Jim Keech, President and CEO of Utilities Kingston
Utilities Kingston's sole shareholder is the City of Kingston and its residents. This public accountability ensures
residents that vital services like water, sewer, gas and electricity are provided while meeting the highest safety
standards. Kingston residents have the peace of mind that their local utility is not solely focused on making a profit.
We must ensure that all residents have equitable access to safe and reliable utility services. Further, we must be
accessible to all our stakeholders. Our staff work and live in the community, we serve and through each local councilor,
every resident has the opportunity to have their voice heard.
"Supporting the Share the Warmth program is a natural progression from our community commitment," adds Keech.
As Canada's first "e-charity," Share the Warmth processes and approves all applications online, providing instant
responses for applicants and relief agencies. Corporate sponsors like Utilities Kingston offset administrative costs in
order to ensure that every dollar donated from the public buys a dollar of energy. Utilities Kingston have been
inserting 'SHARE THE WARMTH' donation cards in the December utility bill that encourage its customers, both residents
and businesses to make cash donations.
Kingston residents can donate to Share the Warmth by returning the donation pamphlet in their Utilities Kingston bill;
calling 1-900-565-WARM to charge an automated donation to their telephone bill; or by making a secure online donation at www.sharethewarmth.org
Donors have the option of directing their donation to families and agencies in their own community or to those areas
with the greatest need.
The Salvation Army, the North Kingston Community Health Centre and Frontenac Community Mental Health Services on a case-by-case
basis using strict criteria beginning on December 9, 2002 will help administer relief.
Share the Warmth is a non-profit, private-public partnership of citizens, utilities and locally based social agencies
and businesses that purchases heat and energy to those vulnerable to becoming homeless and to relief agencies directly
involved in helping those in need. For more information, please visit the "Share the Warmth" Web site at www.sharethewarmth.org
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