CVPS, partners seek Shareheat heating crisis funds

With a nip in the air, Central Vermont Public Service today kicked off the annual CVPS Shareheat fund drive to provide emergency fuel assistance to Vermonters in need.
“While fuel prices are down, unemployment figures give us great pause as we begin the heating season,” CVPS President Bob Young said. “It’s critical that Shareheat, a vital bridge for many families, continue to be available to those in need.”
Thanks to CVPS shareholders and other business supporters, CVPS Shareheat will match contributions from the public dollar for dollar up to $140,700 this winter.
CVPS shareholders will provide $100,000 to Shareheat, and through the Shareheat Business Partnership Program, other Vermont businesses added $40,700 to the matching pool. The funds will be used to match contributions from customers and donated to local community action agencies to help Vermonters in need.
The roster of Shareheat Business Partners includes Carris Reels, Chittenden Bank, Passumpsic Savings Bank, Weidman Electrical Technology, Vermont Country Store and Vermont Electric Power Company. Chittenden Bank, the largest Shareheat Partner, is contributing $12,500 to Shareheat this year in collaboration with Vermont Public Radio. The bank made a donation to the program for every contribution VPR received during its fall membership drive.
“Shareheat plays a critical role in assisting Vermont families,” said Kathy Schirling, senior vice president of Chittenden Bank. “We are hopeful that our contribution will leverage other donations to ensure no one goes cold this winter for lack of heating assistance.”
Shareheat funds go directly to the five community action agencies within the CVPS service territory. Each donation is directed back to the donor’s community, so their contribution helps their neighbors. Matching dollars are applied on a first-come, first-served basis.
Businesses that would like to join the Shareheat Business Partnership Program may call Ann Warrell at 747-5697 for more information. Anyone needing crisis fuel assistance should contact their local community action agency.
CVPS Shareheat is a program of last resort for over 1,000 Vermont families each year. Funds are available to assist people who face heating emergencies, often because they never expected to need assistance, lost a job, or have exhausted all other available assistance.
Contributions should be made payable to the CVPS Shareheat Fund. Donations may be mailed with a CVPS payment, or sent separately to CVPS Shareheat, 77 Grove St., Rutland, VT 05701.
Source: Shareheat. 10.28.2009