MISSISSAUGA, Ontario - ClimateCare, Canada's largest cooperative of independent HVAC contractors, announced that it has joined with the Share the Warmth charity to launch an Ontario-wide program to provide emergency repairs to gas and oil furnaces for low-income households in need. At their quarterly general meeting last November, ClimateCare contractors presented Share the Warmth representatives with a $10,000 donation as the first installment of a total contribution of $30,000 in cash and services.

Share the Warmth is a registered, nonprofit, homeless prevention charity that provides emergency heat and energy for families, seniors, the disabled, and the terminally ill living at or near the poverty level. The inability to pay utilities is one of the leading economic causes of homelessness. Share the Warmth uses 100 percent of public donations to purchase gas, electricity, oil, propane, wood, or kerosene to keep people warm and in their homes during winter's coldest months.

"We were concerned that many low-income households in need of energy could not receive help because their furnaces were in need of repair, or simply didn't work," said ClimateCare treasurer and News' contractor consultant Roger Grochmal. "The new Winter Repair Relief program will now provide low-income households in need with emergency repairs to their gas and oil furnaces."

In addition to its monetary support, ClimateCare has pledged to service approximately 100 homes across the province over the next year.

According to Share the Warmth's Edward de Gale, "Our new community partnership with ClimateCare now allows us to help people in their truly darkest hour; because energy assistance without working heating equipment is no assistance at all."

ClimateCare is a member-owned cooperative of independent HVAC contractors across Ontario. Established in 1992, ClimateCare's main purpose is to improve the quality and profitability of its members. With 500 employees and 250 vehicles on the road, ClimateCare says its members offer consumers "outstanding service, selection, and highly trained technicians to care for their home comfort systems."

Publication date: 01/19/2004