SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS–-Province Provides Funding to Salvation Army's Energy Fund

More than 1,500 low-income families could benefit from the Salvation Army's Good Neighbour Energy Fund thanks to another $400,000 donation from the province.

Almost 1,700 families have already been helped by the fund, and there are still applications from low-income families who need help heating their homes. The province is stepping in with another $400,000 donation to ensure Nova Scotia's most vulnerable are able to heat their homes this winter.

"Even though the province removed the provincial portion of the HST from home heating oil and even with help from the Heating Assistance Rebate Program, some families are still finding it difficult to afford to heat their homes," said John MacDonell, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister. "Making life better for families is a priority for government and, together with the Salvation Army, this is one of the ways we're helping families make ends meet."

The program helps with all forms of home heating, including firewood, coal, oil, propane and electricity, although the majority of requests are for oil and electricity. The benefit is paid as a credit that is applied to an energy supplier's account on behalf of the person receiving it.

"We've been able to promote the program more this year, and we're seeing the effects of that with more people in need able to benefit from it," said Maj. Doug Hefford, divisional commander of The Salvation Army. "We are very grateful for our partnership with the province and for the additional funds that will allow us to help more families in need."

The Good Neighbour Energy Fund was started in 1997 by Nova Scotia Power employees. The province came on board in 2008 and has made donations to the program every year since. The program runs from January to April. Application forms for the 2012 season will be available in January at the Salvation Army website at www.salvationarmy.ca/maritime/gnef/, MLA offices, and Salvation Army Churches and Thrift Stores.

For more information on the Your Energy Rebate and the Heating Assistance Rebate Program, visit www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr .