ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR - Fortis Inc. (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS) ("Fortis" or the "Corporation") President and CEO, Barry Perry, today announced a significant financial commitment to The Salvation Army's Centre of Hope (the "Centre") in St. John's. The Corporation is donating $1,000,000 to support the construction of the Centre which will provide housing for the homeless, a health clinic, food bank, emergency disaster services, mental health services and drug addictions programs for those most vulnerable in our society. The contribution is the largest corporate donation ever to The Salvation Army-Newfoundland and Labrador Division.
"We are inspired by the safe havens and critical support provided by The Salvation Army in the heart of St. John's for over a century," said Barry Perry, President and CEO, Fortis. "The Centre of Hope will build upon this remarkable dedication to our community, right in our downtown neighbourhood. Our team at Fortis could not be more proud today to stand side by side with The Salvation Army and their community partners to continue our Province's legacy of helping those who need it most."
"This incredible donation by Fortis will move us closer to opening the doors of the new Centre of Hope," said Lt. Colonel Eddie Vincent, The Salvation Army-Newfoundland and Labrador Division. "Challenges facing our most vulnerable population, including an increase in opioid and mental health issues, prompted us to consider the legacy project. Too many individuals are falling prey to these societal challenges. The Centre of Hope could be the difference between life and death for these individuals."
Construction on the new Centre of Hope will begin during the Spring of 2018 and is expected to be operational by 2020. The Centre will be located adjacent to Fortis headquarters on Springdale Street.
"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to working with the Salvation Army and all our community partners to help address the diverse housing needs and supports for those who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness," said Hon. Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. "The Salvation Army is a deeply-rooted and valued community partner. On behalf of my colleagues, I would like to thank Fortis and the many partners who have come together to help make the Centre of Hope a reality."
"Hundreds of people in our community need help to guide them on a path of success. We have confidence in the vision of The Salvation Army to significantly enhance the services available to people through the Centre of Hope," said Barry Perry. "We are humbled by those who have the courage to walk through the doors of these supportive community organizations. You are the people who inspire us to give."
Fortis provides millions of dollars annually through the Corporation's North American utilities to support the communities we serve. In the recent past, Fortis provided $3.2 million to The Rooms' Where Once They Stood We Stand initiative to honour those who fought for our freedom during World War I. The Corporation also launched Tap Your Potential in the Fall, a community program which profiles successful Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and encourages others to aspire to be the best in everything they do.
About Fortis
Fortis is a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry with total assets of approximately $47 billion as of September 30, 2017. The Corporation's more than 8,000 employees serve utility customers in five Canadian provinces, nine U.S. states and three Caribbean countries.
Fortis shares are listed on the TSX and NYSE and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become one of the largest direct providers of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and in 128 countries around the world. Its community and social service activities include: hunger relief for individuals and families through food banks and feeding programs; shelter for people experiencing homelessness and support for those needing housing; rehabilitation for those struggling with addiction; long-term care and palliative care; Christmas assistance such as food hampers and toys; after-school programs, camps, and school nutrition programs for children and youth; and life-skills classes such as budgeting, cooking for a family, and anger management. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.