Toronto Blue Jays All-Star launches charity to help families without heat in Ontario

A prominent hometown sports hero has just launched a major initiative to help Ontarians without heat.

George Springer — designated hitter for the Toronto Blue Jays and MLB All-Star — has launched a sweeping community giveback program.

The initiative, dubbed the George Springer Giveback Program, has been designed from the ground up to help families in Ontario who face challenges in keeping their homes adequately heated during the harsh winter months.

Data from Statistics Canada, collected on behalf of the program, has indicated that 14 per cent of households nationwide are forced to contend with extreme temperatures one month per year, as a result of maneuvering around high heating costs.

Additional information also stated that Ontario bolsters one of the highest rates of energy poverty among Canadian provinces, with 9 per cent of households classified as ‘energy poor,’ meaning that they spend over 10 per cent of their income on energy costs.

“Everyone deserves a comfortable and safe home,” said George Springer in an official statement. “For too many families, that simply isn’t the reality. This program is about stepping in when people need it most and helping take one major worry off their plate.”

Details behind the program reveal that Springer has set aside $150,000 in partnership with LG Home Comfort to assist 24 families provincewide who do not have adequate heating in their homes.

The program is currently open for nominations, with Aman Gill, CEO, LG Home Comfort, urging communities across Ontario to lend a helping hand, stating, “This is about neighbours helping neighbours. If you know someone who is struggling to stay safe and comfortable at home, we want to hear from you.”