Government is pleased to provide continued support to the Salvation Army Home Heating Assistance Program, says Community Services and Seniors Minister Valerie E. Docherty.
“I would like to commend the Salvation Army for their relentless efforts in ensuring the home heating assistance program reaches Islanders in need year after year. Last year, more than 300 Island families received emergency heating assistance through this successful program,” said Minister Docherty. “The Home Heating Program is another excellent example of how government and community partnerships can better the lives of Islanders in need.”
Since the winter of 2007-2008, the Department of Community Services and Seniors has donated $711,000 to the Salvation Army’s heating program. Community Services and Seniors will donate $125,000 to the program this year.
The Salvation Army Home Heating Assistance Program is an emergency resource designed to assist Islanders in a time of crisis who cannot afford home heating oil during the winter months. Through the program, Prince Edward Island residents who show an urgent need may receive up to 400 litres of home heating oil delivered to their home beginning January 11, 2012.
“We are pleased to once again partner with government and the Petroleum Marketer’s Association to assist those families most in need,” said Ian Scott of the Salvation Army. “We are only too aware of the increasing needs of Islanders and, as one of the frontline agencies, we see everyday those who are in need of extra assistance.”
In addition to the provincial government donation, members of the P.E.I. Petroleum Marketer’s Association and associated companies will contribute 7,200 litres of heating oil to the Salvation Army Home Heating Assistance Program. Island Petroleum, Kenmac Energy, Noonan Petroleum, Co-op Energy, Ultramar Home Heating and Pineau Fuels will each donate 1,200 litres. This is the fourth consecutive year that Association members have donated to the program.
“Members are concerned with the impact that high heating costs are having on low income families,” said Dan MacIsaac, President of the P.E.I. Petroleum Marketer’s Association. “Therefore, we felt that now was a good time to follow up on past years donations and to provide some assistance again this year.”
Residents of Queens and Kings Counties can contact the Salvation Army at (902) 892-8870 and Prince County residents may phone (902) 888-3870.