UNITED WAY AND UNION GAS TEAM UP FOR 2007-2008 WINTER WARMTH FUND

Fund release: Owen Sound December 3, 2007 – United Way and Union Gas today announced the 2006-2007 Winter Warmth Fund, providing financial assistance to low-income families and individuals struggling to pay their heating and hydro bills.

The fund was initially established in Toronto during the winter of 2004 and has expanded to include five utilities, local United Ways and community agencies throughout Ontario. The five utility companies – Enbridge Gas Distribution, Enersource Corporation, Hydro Ottawa, Toronto Hydro and Union Gas Limited – 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.

In the winter of 2006-7 The United Way assisted 19 households representing 21 adults and 20 children with their Union Gas utility bill, in addition many were referred to other resources in the community. “This program helps families that have hit a “bump in the road” explained United Way of Bruce Grey Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn. The ability to sustain the utility payment after the ‘hand-up” is a requirement of the program. “We had people who had unexpected car repair bills, children with medical needs and such” added Dobbyn.

“Union Gas is pleased to work with the United Way again this year to deliver the Winter Warmth Fund to communities across our service territory,” said Greg Ebel, President of Union Gas Limited. “This is one of the many initiatives through which Union Gas gives back to the community.”

How the Fund Works

Families and individuals needing financial assistance to pay their heating and hydro bills can find information about the Winter Warmth Fund at the United Way of Bruce Grey

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

Eligibility

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

Customers can contact the United Way to determine funding eligibility and to submit an application. The United Way can be reached at 519 376 1560 Monday to Friday 8:30 – 4:30, or on site at the United Way Centre at 380 9th Street East Owen Sound

For further information: United Way of Bruce Grey 519 376 1560