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Atausrr; - ‘ tramway-um manna “gamma" tum Waterloo adopts Share the Warmmprpgrm everal weeks of Old Man S:)??): icy chill has the hardi- est of us scrambling for the relative safety of our heated homes. But how would you like it if you had to choose eating instead of heating this winter because you couldn't afford to pay for both? That's what a growing number of Ontarians are facing this winter as fuel costs continue to rise. The inability to pay rising utility costs is becoming the second-leading cause of homelessness in the province. A tive-year-old program called Share the Warmth is aimed at changing that by using 100 per cent of all donations made to the non- prom charity to purchase heat and energy for low-income families this winter The program IS making its first appearance in Waterloo region this Looking For a New Doon Heritage Crossroads volunteers Emiiy Lehan (left) and Keri Bailey took advan- tage of the left-over Shortbread cookies made for the site's annual Starry Night event last Thursday evening. Besides serving the goodies, both girls explained some of the area's-heritage and oki-time holiday traditions to guests. BY Boa Vnnmnc Chronigleitzi Starry Night at pen. [ii-MIMI. year just in time for the holiday season. Traditionally many less- fortunate families go without at this time of year to ensure their children have a Merry Christmas. Edward de Gale. executive director of the program, wants to ensure that those struggling to stay warm don't have to make that choice. "They don't get money, they just get heat," said de Gale. "We think it's a perfect opportunity for the public to really make a difference in the community by helping oth- ers heat their homes in winter. It doesnt get more basic or more Canadian than that." The program first got its start in the Toronto area when a group of friends studying at Osgood Hall tried to frgure out a way to help those in need. Since those modest beginnings, and with the help of utility providers like Enbridge, more than 20.000 have been helped by the program in more than 500 Com- PAGE 3 W"! MY "wm munities across the province. The latest utility provider to join the program is Union Gas, which services customers in Waterloo region. "Local residents can donate to Share the Warmth by returning the donation pamphlet they receive in their next Union Gas bill, "More and more this year because of the rising energy costs and the nature of this winter so far, we're seeing a lot of middle-class people needing help that we've never seen before. " Those shocked by any signfr cant increase this winter season should be able relate to those living on the margins unable to absorb - Edward de Gale Share the Warmth (mutiny director Mm ' ,5 51"3 " qrV -'s" C," t" . ILL.: " Strickland heads new services committee if“ AND SLEEP-SOFA o better to lead the Region of Waterloo's new community services com- mince than a true member ofthe community. And, as many local politi- cal followers would agree, few are more community- minded than Sean Strickland. The Waterloo regional councillor was recently appointed chairman of the newly named committee, formally known as the health and social services committee. While his list of responsi- bilities is broad, as he will oversee areas such as com- munity health, social ser- vices and culture. Strickland said he has some specific priorities he hopes to tackle right away. At the top of his list sits the region's struggle with a lack of social housing for those in need. oi, far as I'm concerned there are two immediate needs," he said. "We need to I??? accessories in stock i low Christmas prices HU\I( II Be Mom Kamaf Chenet Staff World-class selection! Now value priced! another blow to their household income. That list of people on the edge is growing to include seniors, shut- ins, the working poor and even some middle-class families. said de Gale. "More and more this year, because of the rising energy costs and the nature of this winter so far, we're seeing a lot of middle-class people needing help that we've never seen before," he said. "We're really concerned in terms of both the-needs of low-income house, has. and the ability to have suffi- ci t funds to address those applications will be made avail- able in Waterloo region starting in Ianuary 2001. Participating utilities in the community will make refer- rals for eligible applicants to the appropriate relief agency at that time, Relief will be administered by local agencies on a case-by-case basis using strict criteria. build a hostel in Cambridge, and we have to look at the broader issue of the lack of affordable housing across the entire region. "My plan is to encourage all levels of government to come to the table with some dollars, and to take some responsibility for this prob- In the area of health care. Strickland intends to moni- tor the reinvestment of dol- lars into the local system; and culturally. he said. focus will continue to be on the refurbishing the old Sean Strickland regional councillor // 'tit' an n/ LA-Z-BOY’ {Iii/Aft] Dependable serv'ce smce l 959 46 King St, N., Waterloo B86-2040 Monday _ Wednesday IO-S 30 Thursday 8 Friday 10-8 Saturday 10-5 FREE PARKING " FRONT 6 REAR 0F STORE ' (te (flislv, i. tc/rvsemvae yusmusm utAittatert"t-, (at...) _ w “Minimum” sun-.9111 Because Share the Warmth uses a innovative online administrative access point for processing the applications and providing relief, there is little or no overhead in the program and almost all of the pub- lic's donation is used to purchase heat and energy. In addition to the pamphlets mailed out, those looking for more information or looking to donate may call t-900-565-WARM (92761, Donors may also visit the web site at wwwsharethewarmhorg to make a secure online donation using a credit card. "Members of the public have to understand that this program can be extraordinarily effective In improving the quality of life in their community," said de Gale, "We're helping some families and seniors not to make the dim, cult choice between eating and heating. "If the public embraces thrs pro- gram. We can do a lot In stem the tide of homelessness." Kitchener jail into a court- house, as well as heritage preservation and the arts. As a side issue, Strickland said he would also like to see an environmental commit- tee established at the region- al level, similar to the citi, zens environmental adviso- ry committee which reports to the City of Waterloo. "As the health and social services committee. we saw a lot of environmental issues come across the desk," he said. "There are a number of issues that should be addressed by a committee specific to the environment. "Clean air initiatives, pro- active measures towards smog days and pesticide use all deserve attention." But Strickland said one of the keys to leading a com- mince is to strike a balance between the needs and competing interests. and spend money in the most cost-effective manner. "When you role every- thing together," he said, "it's about delivering new sen vices, as well as enhancing existing services." him