Today, ENMAX announced that it is renewing its partnership with Aspen Family & Community Network, for the 14th consecutive year, with a contribution of $75,000 towards Aspen's Community Connections and Winter Breather programs. Since the partnership was established in 2006, ENMAX has contributed over $650,000 to support utility programs, provide opportunities for vulnerable youth and create meaningful holiday experiences.
"I truly value our partnership with ENMAX. As part of collaborating over the years, the team at ENMAX identifies needs at Aspen and steps in to help before being asked. COVID-19 was a perfect example. Before we had finalized how we were going to support the people we work with, ENMAX had already reached out with a significant donation to support the people in our programs with the unique needs they were facing due to the pandemic" said Shirley Purves, CEO at Aspen Family & Community Network. "It is partners like ENMAX that enable non-profit organizations like Aspen to provide best-in-class services for vulnerable Calgarians."
Beyond financial contributions, the team at ENMAX is engaged with Aspen year 'round through different volunteer initiatives including painting Aspen group homes, providing holiday gifts for youth in Aspen's Group Care and Youth Transitions to Adulthood programs and assembling furniture for Bear Lodge, Aspen's newest group home.
"ENMAX is proud to support the important work Aspen does in delivering critical programs that make a difference in the lives of local individuals and families," said Diana Stephenson, ENMAX Vice President, Public Affairs. "Aspen's commitment to community care, coupled with their knowledge and expertise in supporting their clients, makes for a strong contribution to the overall strength and wellness of our communities."
The Community Connections Program focuses on prevention and early intervention. It helps individuals and families stay sustainably housed by connecting them to resources in the community, providing financial assistance with utilities, and hosting workshops to help residents understand their energy bills and reduce home energy use. Last year alone, the Community Connections Program supported 5,040 individuals in Calgary and area.
As an extension of the Community Connections program, Aspen's Winter Breather campaign also supports families and individuals who need extra help during the winter months. The program provides financial relief for utility and grocery expenses, empowering those supported to create their own meaningful holiday experience while focusing on long-term goals. In 2019, the program assisted 682 people from 176 households.
About Aspen
Aspen's story began in 1984, when Mountain Plains Community Services of Calgary was established to provide programs for foster parents and support services to youth. In 1998, we became Aspen Family and Community Network Society and have since expanded our reach to tackle a wide range of social issues affecting individuals of all ages, their families and communities. Today, we offer support and assistance to and advocate on behalf of thousands of single parents, new immigrants, Indigenous Peoples, children, youth and families in Calgary and area. On April 15, 2020 we announced a merger with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary. The new and unified organization will bring together the best pieces of two strong organizations and we envision a huge potential for these two agencies aligning, merging and transforming into ONE BIG DOOR.
About ENMAX
Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, with operations across Alberta and Maine, ENMAX Corporation (ENMAX) is a leading provider of electricity services, products and solutions. Through its subsidiaries, ENMAX Power Corporation and Versant Power, formerly Emera Maine, ENMAX owns and operates transmission and distribution utilities in Calgary, Alberta and northern and eastern Maine, safely and reliably delivering electricity to all Calgary homes and businesses and more than 159,000 customers in Maine. Through ENMAX Energy Corporation, ENMAX owns and operates 1,509 MW of generation and offers a range of innovative electricity, natural gas, energy and engineering services to more than 674,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers across Alberta. ENMAX is a private corporation and The City of Calgary is its sole shareholder.