HAMILTON — Nearly one hundred families are able to breathe a little more easily this holiday season, thanks to the Municipality of Hamilton and the Salvation Army's EmPower Hamilton program.
While the holidays can bring joy and togetherness for families, they can also bring a burden of stress. Buying presents, preparing food, and then the holiday bills can all cause stress on a family this time of year.
To help alleviate that stress, EmPower Hamilton was created. The program allows residents in Hamilton to opt in to pay a few dollars extra on their bills this season, paying it forward for other folks who may not be able to afford their utility bills.
"It makes me happy," said Persi Sanclement, Major with the Salvation Army. "It's a sense of satisfaction. When we're able to see a household stay warm, stay lit. Provide for children in that same household. It's rewarding."
These donations are ciphoned through the Salvation Army and then back to the city. So far, 96 families have been given a $300 stipend for utilities throughout the 20 months this program has been around.
Signing up is easy, and you can set up recurring payments or cancel whenever you wish.
