Finding winter warmth for low income families

United Way and Enbridge Gas announced the 2007- 2008 Winter Warmth Fund, providing financial assistance to low-income families and individuals struggling to pay their gas bills.

The fund was established in Toronto during the winter of 2004 and has expanded to include five utilities, local United Ways and community agencies throughout Ontario.

The utility companies will combine efforts with United Way to coordinate the fund through over 45 community agencies across the province.

Funds for the annual program are contributed by the participating utility companies and are available to their eligible customers.

United Way of Greater Simcoe County will coordinate fund distribution on behalf of Enbridge customers in need of assistance in Simcoe County.

"Our experience with this program since inception, demonstrates a high need in Simcoe County and is just another indicator of the financial stress citizens are under particularly this time of year," said Seija Suutari, United Way's executive director.

"Edbridge's generosity in helping their customers with financial assistance on their natural gas bills is just one way that they continue to support the communities they serve.

"We are a proud partner of this ongoing initiative", she added.

Families and individuals needing financial assistance to pay their gas bills can find information about the Winter Warmth Fund at United Way of Greater Simcoe County.

Enbridge Gas Distribution will also advise customers about the fund and direct them to United Way.

After a successful application process, one-time funding will be credited directly to the applicant's utilities account.

Eligible grant recipients include low-income households who are in arrears or at risk of going into arrears on their gas bills and have exhausted all other sources of financial support.

Customers can contact United Way of Greater Simcoe County to determine funding eligibility and submit an application.

For further information please call Nancy Smith at 705-726-2301 ext. 30.