AlectraCARES Program Distributes $1 Million to Support Ontario Communities
Alectra Inc. has unveiled the recipients of its 2026 AlectraCARES Community Support Program, allocating more than $1 million in annual funding to non-profit organizations across Ontario. This initiative aims to address pressing community needs, including food and housing security, mental health support, and access to healthcare services for individuals and families facing hardships.
Strengthening Local Support Systems
Brian Bentz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alectra Inc., emphasized the program's significance in a statement. "Our communities are experiencing real and growing pressures, and it's important that we step up in meaningful ways," he said. "Through the AlectraCARES Community Support Program, our priority is investing in organizations that deliver essential services, strengthen local support systems, and help ensure those in greatest need have access to essential resources."
Established in 2017, the AlectraCARES Community Support Program provides financial assistance to charitable, not-for-profit, and community organizations within Alectra's service territory. Each year, the program focuses on a range of critical areas:
- Food security and housing security
- Mental health and access to healthcare
- Indigenous support and reconciliation efforts
- Vulnerable groups, such as seniors, children, youth, and low-income households
- Environmental conservation and animal welfare
- Scholarships, education, and employment opportunities
- Celebrating cultural diversity and promoting equal opportunities for equity groups, including visible minorities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, newcomers, persons with disabilities, and women
Impact on Regional Health and Conservation
Through the AlectraCARES program, Alectra also supports major regional health foundations, such as Trillium Health Partners, Guelph General Hospital Foundation, Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation, St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation, MacKids, and William Osler Health System Foundation. This funding enhances healthcare accessibility and services for communities in need.
Community partners have expressed gratitude for the support. Jay Shea from Odeiwin highlighted the program's impact: "Support from AlectraCARES has been instrumental in allowing Odeiwin to deliver consistent, Indigenous-led, land-based programming that strengthens cultural connection, mental wellness, and community belonging. Over the past three years, this support has helped us reach thousands of community members through our monthly programs—impact that simply would not have been possible without Alectra's commitment."
Tracey Murfin of the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC) also shared insights: "The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre is both very grateful and excited to be receiving $5,000 from Alectra dedicated to our Hatchling and Headstarting Program. This program gathers eggs from injured female turtles, incubates them, and headstarts the hatchlings by overwintering them at our facility, releasing them the following spring. This headstarting increases their chances of survival, and hundreds of community members visit OTCC each year to learn about Ontario's eight at-risk turtle species."
The AlectraCARES Community Support Program continues to play a vital role in fostering resilience and well-being across Ontario, demonstrating Alectra's commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement.
