OTTAWA, Oct. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, Hydro Ottawa and United Way Ottawa showcased how the Brighter Tomorrows Fund is helping frontline agencies that serve people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless by reducing energy costs, improving their facilities and creating a safe and comfortable living environment.
Nearly $140,000, including $33,000 from the provincial saveONenergy incentive, was awarded to 10 agencies for energy conservation projects, including replacing leaky windows, installing a high-efficiency heating and cooling system, purchasing new energy-efficient appliances, and upgrading lighting systems. These upgrades will help recipient agencies reduce their energy bills and redirect savings into programming.
"The Brighter Tomorrows Fund allows Hydro Ottawa to make a meaningful and long-lasting contribution to our community and the environment," said Hydro Ottawa President and CEO Bryce Conrad. "It gives agencies the opportunity to invest in the energy efficiency technologies today that can save thousands in operating costs tomorrow. The cost savings can then go right back into funding the core work these agencies do to support their clients."
The Brighter Tomorrows Fund is a Targeted Community Investment, managed by United Way, and secured through the Hydro Ottawa's corporate program where it matches employees' contributions to the community campaign and invests them in this fund.
"Thanks to Hydro Ottawa's Brighter Tomorrows Fund, the new energy efficient appliances have eliminated the need for ongoing costly repairs to the old appliances," said Lisa Ker, Executive Director of Ottawa Salus. "As the new energy star rated appliances are 20 per cent more energy efficient than standard models, Salus is benefiting from reduced operating costs through electricity savings that allow us to maintain low rents for tenants, make additional capital repairs and reinvest in critical support programming."
Through the generosity of Hydro Ottawa and its employees, the Brighter Tomorrows Fund has invested more than $326,000 in 35 projects over three years. Over the past 12 years, Hydro Ottawa and its employees have donated more than $1.3 million to United Way Ottawa.
"The Brighter Tomorrows Fund brings together Hydro Ottawa`s vision and corporate expertise with United Way's community connections and knowledge," said Goldy Hyder, United Way's Community Campaign Co-Chair and President of Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada. "It`s a partnership that is making an impact on many community agencies that support some of Ottawa's most vulnerable people. I know these investments will continue to make a difference for many years to come."
2013 Brighter Tomorrows Fund recipients:
- The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa
- Heartwood House
- Multifaith Housing Initiative
- Operation Come Home
- Ottawa Salus Corporation
- Shepherds of Good Hope
- St. Joe's Women's Centre
- St. Joe's Supper Table
- Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa
- Youville Centre
About Hydro Ottawa
Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. (Hydro Ottawa) owns and operates two subsidiary companies, Hydro Ottawa Limited and Energy Ottawa Inc. Hydro Ottawa Limited is the third largest municipally owned electrical utility in Ontario serving more than 310,000 customers in the City of Ottawa and the Village of Casselman. Energy Ottawa Inc., Ottawa's largest producer of green power, generates renewable energy and provides commercial energy management services.
About United Way Ottawa
United Way Ottawa's mission is to bring people and resources together to build a strong, healthy, safe community for all. We are best known for our work raising and distributing funds to community agencies that help people. But our true business is engagement, providing ways for contributors — be they donors, partners or others — to achieve their aspirations for our community through United Way. Our purpose is to improve people's lives today and to create enduring, measurable and meaningful social change in our community.
SOURCE: Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.
Laura Lauzon
Supervisor, Media and Public Affairs
Hydro Ottawa
Tel: 613-738-5499 ext. 145
[email protected]
Barry Keegan
Manager, Media Relations and Communications
United Way Ottawa
Tel: 613-228-6709
[email protected]
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