United Way receives $19,375 in time for holidays

Barrie, ON, December 21, 2006 - Barrie Hydro Distribution Inc. has raised $19,375, helping United Way of Greater Simcoe County come closer to reaching an unprecedented campaign goal of $1.35 million. Barrie Hydro's gift, comprised of a corporate gift and employee contributions, has brought the United Way campaign total to $775,000. The campaign has reached 57% of the goal so far and will finish on February 1st, 2007 with a celebration and awards event held at OLG Slots at Georgian Downs.

"United Way has been supporting our community for 47 years," said Mark Henderson, president and chief executive officer at Barrie Hydro Distribution Inc. "One in every three people across Greater Simcoe County is touched

by their programs and services. Every day at Barrie Hydro we provide electrical distribution services to 67,000 customers and we feel United Way is another way that we can help people across our service areas."

Mark Henderson, president and chief executive officer, and Wendy Powell, human resources officer for Barrie Hydro Distribution Inc. presented a cheque for $19,375 to Jim Dickie, United Way of Greater Simcoe County board president yesterday in time for the holiday season. This is the time of year when many workplaces complete their United Way campaign and when many members of our community make their charitable gifts.

The County's unprecedented growth has meant an increase in the number of

residents accessing service, and inevitably a need to increase funding for programs. This year, requests for funding were two times more than the available dollars. Barrie Hydro Distribution Inc.'s support will ensure the continued delivery of local programs that help to reduce cycles of poverty and abuse, support lonely, isolated seniors, and provide programming for youth and children at-risk in our community, just to name a few. United Way of Greater Simcoe County also supports community initiatives such as Eat Well to Excel, a Simcoe Nutrition program promoting the healthy development of school-age children, and 211, a telephone service that provides community, social, health and government information and referrals to callers.

"Workplace giving accounts for more than 80% of campaign funds raised," said Seija Suutari, executive director for United Way of Greater Simcoe County.

"On behalf of all our staff and volunteers, I want to thank Barrie Hydro for their generous, ongoing support. Over 150,000 area residents are impacted by funds raised

through our campaign each year. This gift will go a long way in supporting a network of critical programs and services that address our specific community needs."