On Monday (July 20), Hydro One announced it has provided funding to YES Shelter for Youth and Families in Peterborough so the community organization could buy a truck to help transport food and supplies and move children and families into housing.
“At Hydro One, we’re proud to stand with the communities where we work and live, especially at a challenging time like this,” said Jason Fitzsimmons, Hydro One’s chief corporate affairs and customer care officer.
“We believe we have a deep responsibility to help families and businesses in Peterborough, Lakefield, and Norwood and we will continue to energize life by supporting charitable organizations that are making a difference in these communities.”
Hydro One’s support of YES comes as it acquires the business and distribution assets of Peterborough Distribution Inc.
After the acquisition closes on August 1st, Hydro One says customers will receive a one per cent rate reduction to the base distribution portion of bills, which will be frozen at this rate for five years. Service and billing will continue to come from Peterborough Distribution, as Hydro One brings the two companies together.
“We’re so grateful to Hydro One for providing the YES Shelter for Youth and Families with a much-needed new truck,” said YES executive director Meagan Hennekam.
“This vehicle will ensure we can pick up the food donations that feed people in shelter, drive youth to appointments that improve their lives, and will literally move hundreds of young people and families from homelessness into housing. This truck will improve the services we offer youth and families who are struggling, and Hydro One has made that happen.”
Peterborough mayor Diane Therrien and Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith were also at the funding announcement, where the new truck was unveiled. Norwood automobile dealership J. J. Stewart Motors Limited assisted YES with selection and purchase of the vehicle.
A registered charity, YES helps youth and families experiencing homelessness in Peterborough by providing shelter, education, and transitional supports. Each year, YES serves almost 250 people in its emergency shelter and also operates an emergency food cupboard that served 475 people in 2019 and a clothing cupboard that provided 395 people with clothes.
The organization also has an alternative high school classroom onsite in partnership with the local public school board, and four outreach workers who support youth on their path to independence throughout the community. YES also runs Rise Youth Housing, a transitional housing program that supports youth who are moving from homelessness to living independently and provides a homelessness prevention program for youth.
In a media release, Hydro One says it is also investing in the local economy and has committed to the development of a new operations centre and fleet maintenance facility in Peterborough.
