Getting a new energy-efficient fridge or replacing an old dishwasher may not seem exciting, but it really isn’t about the fridge. Energizing Spaces powered by ENMAX has been transforming communities through new energy-efficient appliance since 2015, and we know that a fridge is rarely just a fridge.
Check out these incredible community stories from our 2024 Grant Recipients:
Scarboro Community Association Gets a Boost from Energizing Spaces
Non-profit organizations often face tight budgets, and the Scarboro Community Association (CA) was no exception. They were struggling with an aging refrigerator that constantly needed repairs, draining their limited contingency funds. This was particularly challenging because their community hall is a popular rental venue, serving as a primary source of income.
Thanks to the Energizing Spaces powered by ENMAX program, the Scarboro CA received a new energy-efficient refrigerator. This upgrade not only makes the community hall more appealing to potential renters but will also lead to increased energy savings and reduced repair costs. These savings will allow the Scarboro CA to reallocate funds toward other ongoing expenses and necessary repairs, ensuring the financial sustainability of this vital community hub. The new fridge promotes both environmental sustainability through energy efficiency and the continued operation of a prime community asset.
Laundry Made Easy at Good Companions 55+ Club
Doing laundry on-site at Good Companions 55+ Club is a game-changer, all thanks to Energizing Spaces powered by ENMAX! Before, their dedicated volunteers had to carry loads of dirty laundry in baskets from the centre, to the car, to their homes and back! Laundry is enough of a chore without adding all of that!
Now, they can wash, dry, and fold right here, making their lives so much easier and more hygienic. Just look at those happy volunteers!
Erin Woods Eats
Day after day, Erin Wood’s hall staff encountered residents coming to the hall in search of food. While they’d already built a free little pantry, clearly the need in the community was more than this program could support.
Thanks to Energizing Spaces powered by ENMAX, Erin Woods Community Association has expanded their “Erin Woods Eats” program with a new community fridge. With the help of local resaurants, cafes, and grocery stores, Erin Wood’s community fridge is well-stocked with fresh and frozern food donations.
The new fridge helps Erin Wood’s Eats run more sustainably by reducing power comsumption, and increasing their capacity to store and provide food to their community.
Dishwasher Discards Disposables at Scenic Acres
Can replacing a dishwasher really make your community hall more sustainable? Just ask Scenic Acres CA!
There old dishwasher was – literally – a waste of space. Because it no longer met health regulations, it was unusable. They had to rely on single-use disposables. Not only was this terrible for the enviroment, but it’s bad for the budget!
Their new commercial (and health regulation approved) dishwasher is a game-changer. Not only does it help them reduce waste and save money, but it’s perfectly suited to meet the needs of a busy hall. In 2023 alone, their hall hosted 3,000 hours of programming, events and rentals. Just think of all those dishes (and savings) !
Fueling Future Performers with Youth Singers of Calgary
Youth Signers of Calgary is all about empowering young voices. But behind the scenes, keeping their performers fueled is just as important!
For years, their trusty (but very tired) fridge has been working overtime. This faithful appliance had witnessed coutless rehersals, fueled many young voices and even survived a few spilled juice boxes. But, it was begining to hit some sour notes. Disregulated temperatures, spoiled food and energy gussiling, it was time for their old fridge to retire.
Thanks to Energizing Spaces funding, they replaced this old appliance with a new energy-efficient model.
The impact? Immediate! Instead of juggling limited space and worrying about food spoilage, Youth Singers can now keep their young singers energized and ready to perform at their best.
A Quieter, Safer, and More Efficient Calgary Marlborough Community Association
Imagine trying to host a community event, lead a fitness class, or even conduct essential first responder training, only to be constantly disrupted by the hum and clatter of an aging beverage cooler. For the Calgary Marlborough Community Association, this was a regular occurrence. Their old coolers, some operational since 1995, weren’t just a minor inconvenience; they were a significant problem.
These outdated units were inefficient, frequently malfunctioning, and incredibly noisy. One cooler alone racked up $2,500 in repair costs over three years and still didn’t work correctly. Beyond the financial drain, the association had serious concerns about safety. Irregular temperature fluctuations and visible rust raised worries about food storage, especially for their valuable seniors’ food initiatives.
But perhaps the most immediate concern for the diverse groups using the hall – from seniors’ activities and children’s programs to church services – was the constant noise. As the Calgary Marlborough Community Association vividly put it, “We don’t want the noise from our beverage coolers to upstage God!”
Thanks to the Energizing Spaces powered by ENMAX program, those days are now a distant memory. The association has replaced its old units with new, energy-efficient fridges. These modern appliances not only consume less energy, leading to significant savings on utility bills, but they’ve also eliminated the disruptive noise. The money saved is now being reinvested directly into vital community programming, further supporting their crucial work, including safe and accessible food storage for seniors. The Calgary Marlborough Community Association can now focus on what truly matters: serving its community in a safe, quiet, and efficient environment.
Goodbye Froozen Coleslaw at Abbeydale Community Association
Ever had equipment fail at the worst moment? For Abbeydale Community Association, that happened at their 2024 Neighbour Day. They’d prepared food for over 300 people, only for their unreliable fridge to freeze bags of coleslaw solid.
Since their 2022 board turnover, Abbeydale CA has worked hard to reengage the community by hosting events and providing free meals. But their old fridge, constantly too hot or too cold, made these efforts difficult. They worried about food safety and their ability to rent out a hall with such an unreliable appliance.
The new fridge, supported by Energizing Spaces powered by ENMAX, has had a lasting impact. It’s not just preventing food loss; it’s expanded what Abbeydale can do for its community, helping launch new food programs. Many Abbeydale residents face food insecurity, relying on food banks or struggling with daily expenses. With the upgraded fridge, Abbeydale CA can now consider initiatives like a community food pantry, a youth cooking program, and regular community meals.
The positive effects are already clear. At their recent Harvest Festival, they confidently prepped and cooked a turkey lunch, feeding approximately 60 adults, 25 seniors (many living alone), over 40 kids, and even five individuals experiencing homelessness. The new appliances ensure food is stored safely.
This upgrade allows Abbeydale to host food-inclusive events securely and kickstart exciting new programs. Soon, they’ll launch a new program to teach participants how to utilize food fully, even making broth from vegetable scraps. The new freezer will also support a food hamper program, offering much-needed frozen food. This is a game-changer for Abbeydale and those who rent their space, ensuring no more frozen coleslaw catastrophes!
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