Keeping warm
Appeals going out to individuals, organizations and businesses as Pictou County Fuel Fund gets start for season
The generosity of Pictou County residents helped 227 families stay warm last winter.
“We are so thankful for all of the individuals, businesses, churches, service groups, schools, municipal governments and other organizations that supported our campaign in 2016-2017,” said Jim McKenna, chairperson of the Pictou County Fuel Fund. “Without their contributions, these families would have suffered.”
The mission of the Fuel Fund is to ensure “No child should go cold in Pictou County” and the charitable organization has started its annual campaign to raise funds to achieve this goal.
Letters are now being mailed to individuals and organizations asking for their support. As well, donation envelopes are being distributed to churches throughout the county.
PCFF was established following a recommendation by the social action committee of the Pictou County Council of Churches in response to hardship in the community. Now in its ninth year, the need still exists, said McKenna.
In fact, last season demand for assistance prompted the organization to begin deliveries two weeks earlier than usual. This year, the Fuel Fund is gearing up to start assisting families on Nov. 15 and will do so until the end of March.
“We hope people will think of our organization when doing their giving,” said McKenna.
The Fuel Fund provides oil or wood to families in urgent need during the colder months of the year. Intended for those who are dangerously close to running out of fuel to heat their home and who have no financial means to pay, eligible families may use this support once per heating season.
Last season a partnership was formed with the Pictou County Municipalities Crime Prevention Association, which processes requests and arranges for distribution of fuel to those in need on behalf of the Pictou County Fuel Fund.
Applicants are encouraged to visit www.pictoucountyfuelfund.ca for complete program information and an online application form, or to call the Pictou County Fuel Fund Intake Office at Crime Prevention — 902-755-2886 — Mondays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Clients from the West Pictou area are encouraged to call either Eric LeBlanc at 902-485-5759 or the Pictou County Fuel Fund Intake Office.