Support will ease the strain on charities that are facing a double hit of rising demand and falling donations
TORONTO, May 27, 2021 /CNW/ - Today, Hydro One announced support of up to $25,000 for 35 charitable organizations, municipalities and Indigenous communities to promote safety or make their organizations' safe as they respond to critical needs resulting from the pandemic. A survey by Imagine Canada1 found that COVID-19 has delivered a double hit to the charitable sector with more than two-thirds (68 per cent) of charities reporting a drop in donations at the same time as nearly half (46 per cent) are reporting an increase in demand.
"We have a deep responsibility to energize life and support Ontario communities and organizations that are working tirelessly to overcome serious challenges as they meet urgent and emerging local needs," said Mark Poweska, President and CEO, Hydro One. "Hydro One is proud to support the critical organizations that are keeping Ontarians connected, active and safe as we emerge from the third-wave."
"While we have all felt the impact of the pandemic in some way, it is easy to lose sight of our most vulnerable, especially now, as everyone continues to isolate," said Mary Bart, Chair of Caregiving Matters, an internet-based charity serving seniors across Ontario, one of the 35 organizations receiving a much-needed donation from Hydro One. "With the support of Hydro One, we will be able to implement a program for isolated seniors that helps them maintain their sense of community through a virtual connection to others."
"I applaud Hydro One for their continued efforts to support the organizations working overtime to keep communities safe," said Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines; Minister of Indigenous Affairs. "This new initiative demonstrates the true Ontario spirit and the importance of working together to be there for charitable organizations, municipalities and Indigenous communities providing services to those depending on them."
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1 More than a third of Canadians will give less to charities this holiday season due to COVID-19: survey - Imagine Canada research from December 14, 2020. |
Hydro One is also encouraging Ontarians to take to social media to raise awareness about those organizations that are energizing life and addressing pressing needs in their communities. The company is committing to give $1,000 to 10 organizations that are mentioned as part of its social media campaign running from May 27 to July 8. To enter, participants are asked to raise awareness about an organization making a positive difference using #EnergizingLifeON on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter following the steps below. For full contest details, visit HydroOne.com/EnergizingLife.
- Facebook and Instagram: Like and comment on our contest post telling us about an organization that's making a difference, follow Hydro One, and tag #EnergizingLifeON.
- Twitter: Tweet using #EnergizingLifeON and tell us about an organization that's making a difference, tag @HydroOne, and follow us.
"We have a collective responsibility to stand up and support the charitable institutions helping us emerge from the darkness of the pandemic. Now is the time for us all to come together and shine a light on the critical work those organizations do to bring about positive change in our communities," said Poweska.
This donation program will support organizations improving physical and emotional safety across Ontario through the creation of new fitness trails, digital programming for isolated seniors or offering meals and personal care items. The following organizations were selected for their ability to help energize communities during this difficult time:
- Algonquins of Pikwakanagan
- Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River
- Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins
- Atlohsa Family Healing Services, Southwold
- Bagida'waad Alliance, Neyaashiinigmiing First Nation
- Bright Beginnings of Tweed and District
- Caregiving Matters, Ontario-wide
- Children's Safety Village of Windsor and Essex
- City of Dryden
- Curve Lake First Nation
- Gravenhurst Against Poverty
- H.I.A Harmony in Action Windsor
- Keewaytinook Okimakanak Tribal Council, Fort Frances
- Lennox & Addington Seniors Outreach Services
- Lion Hearts Inc., Kingston
- Maple City Centre for Older Adults, Chatham
- Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte
- Municipality of Shuniah
- Municipality of Tweed
- Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation
- North Lambton Community Health Centre
- Orillia Christian Centre - The LightHouse
- Rocky Bay First Nation
- Sauvetage Bénévole Outaouais – Ottawa Volunteer Search and Rescue
- Simcoe Early Education and Development Services Co-operative Inc.
- South River Lions Club
- Sudbury Women's Centre
- The Circle of Turtle Lodge
- Town of Atikokan
- Town of Cobalt
- Township of Conmee
- Township of O'Connor
- Walden Seniors Centre, Lively
- Washagamis Bay First Nation
- Youth Diversion Program, Kingston
Hydro One Limited (TSX: H)
Hydro One Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution provider with approximately 1.4 million valued customers, approximately $30.3 billion in assets as at December 31, 2020, and annual revenues in 2020 of approximately $7.3 billion.
Our team of approximately 8,700 skilled and dedicated employees proudly build and maintain a safe and reliable electricity system which is essential to supporting strong and successful communities. In 2020, Hydro One invested approximately $1.9 billion in its transmission and distribution networks, and supported the economy through buying approximately $1.7 billion of goods and services.
We are committed to the communities where we live and work through community investment, sustainability and diversity initiatives. We are designated as a Sustainable Electricity Company by the Canadian Electricity Association.
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Forward-Looking Statements and Information:
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SOURCE Hydro One Inc.
