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 ImagineCanada 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 Ontariocommunities 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.”
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.
In Gravenhurst, Hydro One will energize life through their support of Gravenhurst Against Poverty who is helping empower the community by moving closer to a safe and accessible space for the Young Adults Centre..
“The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions have made it difficult for our organization to connect with young adults facing mental health issues,” said Judy Campbell, Fundraising Chair, Gravenhurst Against Poverty. “With the support of Hydro One, we will be able to move closer to a safe and accessible space for the Young Adults Centre in Gravenhurst.”
- 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
- Ottawa Volunteer Search and Rescue
- Rocky Bay First Nation
- 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
