Governor Warner Kicks Off 15th Year of Fan Care for Elderly in Virginia
Governor Warner Kicks Off 15th Year of Fan Care for Elderly in Virginia
Public-Private Partnership Provides Fans to Seniors in Need
Gov. Mark R. Warner announced today the beginning of the 15th consecutive year of Fan Care, a Virginia Department for the Aging and Dominion Virginia Power partnership that has provided nearly 22,000 fans to senior citizens to help them stay cool during the summer.
Fan Care provides free fans to elderly Virginians who live within Dominion's service area and who meet eligibility requirements. Fan Care is a public-private partnership administered by the Department for the Aging. Dominion is the primary sponsor.
"I am pleased that the Commonwealth's Department of Aging and Dominion Virginia Power with the help of Wal-Mart have once again stepped up to meet this public need," Governor Warner said. "The heat of the summer months creates unique problems and dangers for our seniors, and I am grateful that these individuals will be able to spend the summer months under better conditions."
Dominion donates $27,500 to the Fan Care program each year, most of which goes toward the purchase of fans. Limited funds are available to agencies to purchase air-conditioners for clients with more serious health problems.
For the 11th year, Wal-Mart will be a Fan Care partner, serving as the statewide retailer providing fans to local Area Agencies on Aging at a discounted rate. This discount will enable the program to purchase more fans with the available funds.
"In 2005, the Fan Care program will celebrate its 15th anniversary by continuing to do what it does best - distributing thousands of fans to needy seniors," said Jay DeBoer, Commissioner of the Virginia Department for the Aging. "We are most grateful for the generosity and support of Virginia's business community in helping to meet this well-documented need."
Local Area Agencies on Aging administer Fan Care by screening applicants and distributing fans. To be eligible for Fan Care, an individual must:
* Live in Virginia.
* Be age 60 or older.
* Have a need for cooling assistance.
* Meet income guidelines defined by the Area Agencies on Aging.
Those who are eligible can receive one fan per cooling season. The program will continue until Sept. 30, or as long as funds last. Dominion invites other utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities and businesses to contribute as Fan Care partners.
Anyone can make a tax-deductible contribution to Fan Care by sending a check in any amount to the nearest Area Agency on Aging. Checks should be made payable to the agency. A list of agencies is available upon request. Organizations wishing to become Fan Care partners should contact the Virginia Department for the Aging at (800) 552-3402.
Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers of energy, with an energy portfolio of about 28,100 megawatts of generation. Dominion also serves retail energy customers in nine states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at www.dom.com.
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/Jun05/0602.htm