P.E.I. home heating fund increased by province

The P.E.I. government has increased the amount of money it's providing to the Salvation Army's emergency home heating program.

The program, which is administered by the Salvation Army, was developed eight years ago to help Islanders in urgent need of home heating fuel. About 200 Island families typically access the fund.

This winter, the provincial government is contributing $136,200 to the program, an increase of $15,000 over last year.

• P.E.I. gas prices up, heating oil down
• Emergency home heating funding still available
• Salvation Army's home heating program underway

"We are pleased to support the Salvation Army as it reaches out to help Islanders in need," said Premier WadeMacLauchlan in a news release.

"As a government, we are committed to work in partnership with community groups to help ensure the well-being of all Islanders."

The PEI Petroleum Marketer's Association also provides support by donating 8,000 litres of home heating oil, and has added $3,000 in donations from its members to the fund.

"We appreciate and value our partnerships with the Salvation Army and the PEI Petroleum Marketer's Association to help support Islanders who need it most," said Family and Human Services Minister Doug Currie.

The program will begin in the new year.

Usually funding runs out within a couple of weeks.

But last winter was an anomaly. With fewer people requesting help, the fund lasted a couple of months, possibly due to lower heating oil prices.

Islanders can contact the Salvation Army for information on how to apply.