OTTAWA, Sept. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Hydro Ottawa and United Way Ottawa today showcased how the Brighter Tomorrows Fund is helping community agencies — those that serve people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless — by funding projects that improve the energy efficiency of their facilities or buildings.
Seven agencies were selected and have completed projects such as replacing drafty windows, installing a high-efficiency heating system and purchasing energy-efficient appliances. These improvements will help reduce energy bills, creating savings that the organizations can redirect into programming.
For the past 11 years, Hydro Ottawa and its employees have generously contributed more than $1 million in support of United Way Ottawa's Community Campaign. The corporate matching dollars from Hydro Ottawa's campaign are directed to its Brighter Tomorrows Fund.
"As a community company, contributing to the well-being of Ottawa has always been a part of Hydro Ottawa's core mandate. By working with the United Way, we can ensure that the dollars we donate are truly making the biggest difference in our community," said Bryce Conrad, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hydro Ottawa.
In 2012, a total of $85,696 was awarded through the Brighter Tomorrows Fund to Daybreak Housing, Multifaith Housing, National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA, Operation Come Home, Options Bytown, Ottawa Salus, and Shepherds of Good Hope.
"The Brighter Tomorrows Fund is a great example of how United Way works with organizations to achieve their business and corporate social responsibility objectives, while addressing a specific need in the community," said Mathieu Fleury, United Way's Community Campaign Co-Chair and City Councillor for Rideau-Vanier. "In this case, community agencies often do not have the funds to improve the energy efficiency of their facilities, but now, thanks to Hydro Ottawa, they have access to funding."
"United Way is very proud of our partnership with Hydro Ottawa, as we know it will make a meaningful difference to many agencies that serve the homeless and those at risk of being homeless," added Angie Poirier, United Way's Community Campaign Co-Chair and Majic 100 and CTV Ottawa Morning Live Host. "Hydro Ottawa and its employees should be proud of the work that their donations have made possible."
The Brighter Tomorrows Fund is a Targeted Community Investment, managed and implemented by United Way Ottawa for Hydro Ottawa. A Targeted Community Investment is a donation customized to the specific needs and desired outcomes of a company, philanthropist or foundation. Since its inception in 2011, the Brighter Tomorrows Fund has allocated more than $219,000 to help community agencies invest in small scale energy efficient technologies or products.
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 305,000 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
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 Limited
Claudia Lemieux
Manager, Public Affairs
Hydro Ottawa
Tel: 613-738-5499 ext. 7684
[email protected]
Cell: 613-552-0382
Barry Keegan
Manager, Media Relations and Communications
United Way Ottawa
Tel: 613-228-6709
[email protected]
Cell: 613-294-8128
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