Enbridge Gas Distribution Safe Community Funding

 Enbridge Gas Distribution Safe Community Funding Assists Fire Rescue Services! 

Project Assist supports firefighter training in the City of Kawartha Lakes

 Enbridge Gas Distribution is teaming up with the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council to help the Kawartha Lakes Fire & Rescue Service purchase firefighting training education programs.

"Firefighting is a dangerous and unpredictable profession," said Ted Wieclawek, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chair of the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council. "Regular training is an important part of being prepared for any hazardous situation. Enbridge's Project Assist improves access to training materials for municipal fire departments and positively contributes to overall firefighter health and safety.' 

 Fire Chief Mark Pankhurst

'The City of Kawartha Lakes is entering a time of significant growth and development in both our urban and rural areas. Unfortunately from time to time construction accidents involving natural gas occur. This partnership and training will ensure that our firefighters are trained to handle these emergency situations safely, professionally and ensure that our residents and visitors remain safe,' said Fire Chief Mark Pankhurst. 'The Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service would like to thank the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council and Enbridge Gas Distribution for making this partnership possible.

 Mayor Ric McGee agrees.

 "We appreciate the efforts of Enbridge and the Fire Marshal's office and are happy to partner with them to further enhance training opportunities for the men and women of our Fire Service who already perform at a high level." 

"At Enbridge, safety is our priority and as part of our Safe Community program, we are proud to help bring Project Assist to the Kawartha Lakes Fire & Rescue Service," said Sonia Fazari, Senior Advisor Community Investment, Enbridge Gas Distribution. "The safety of the community is a priority we share with local fire departments and we commend their dedication to safety and are proud to offer Project Assist to help enhance their training efforts."

Project Assist is a new Enbridge Gas Distribution program designed to supplement existing training for Ontario fire departments with volunteer firefighters. This year's $100,000 donation will be shared by 20 Ontario fire departments with volunteer firefighters, including Kawartha Lakes Fire & Rescue Service. Funds will be used to purchase educational materials to enhance in life-saving firefighting techniques.

About the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council The Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council (Council) is a registered charity established in 1993 with a mission to help create "a world where no one is hurt by fire." The Council, Chaired by the Ontario Fire Marshal and supported by the Office of the Fire Marshal, operates at arm's length from the government and promotes fire prevention and public education through sponsorships and partnerships with various groups and individuals with an interest in public safety.About Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service The Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service is a composite fire service operating out of 21 fire stations with over 400 career and volunteer firefighters and 60 pieces of front line apparatus. The service responds to approximately 4000 calls for service each year and has a coverage area of over 3000 square kilometers.
About Enbridge Enbridge Gas Distribution traces its roots to 1848 when the Company's motto was "for the good of the community." That tradition has survived more than 160 years and today Enbridge remains committed to the communities it serves including the City of Kawartha Lakes. Enbridge delivers more than the energy people count on; it delivers on its promise to help make communities better places to live.

Enbridge Gas Distribution is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. It is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution and one of the 2012 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations. Enbridge Inc. has been selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2012 and is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers. Enbridge Gas Distribution and its affiliates distribute natural gas to more than 1.9 million customers in Ontario, Quebec, New York State and New Brunswick. For more information visit www.enbridgegas.com.