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RG&E and NYSEG Donate Additional $300,000 to Local Emergency COVID-19 Response and Recovery Effort

Organizations in Greater Rochester region to receive additional $125,000 in support
RG&E and NYSEG COVID-19 donations total $575,000

ROCHESTER, NY — May 7, 2020 — RG&E, an AVANGRID company, in conjunction with the Avangrid Foundation announced today an additional donation of $125,000 to emergency response organizations in the Greater Rochester region to support their ongoing COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. The Rochester Community Crisis Fund will receive $100,000 of support and $25,000 will be distributed among five local food resource organizations and programs.

“We’re proud to support local organizations that are helping our neighbors and strengthening our communities,” said Carl A. Taylor, President and CEO of NYSEG and RG&E. “Supporting the communities we serve will always be a priority for our company – whether that be through providing safe and reliable service or supporting nonprofits in times of need.”

The Rochester Community Crisis Fund provides support to Monroe, Genesee, Wayne, Ontario, Livingston and Wyoming counties through multiple community partners. Its lead partners include Rochester Area Community Foundation and the United Way of Greater Rochester.

"Avangrid’s generous support of the Community Crisis Fund exemplifies the tremendous partnerships that advance greater Rochester,” said Jennifer Leonard, CEO of Rochester Area Community Foundation. “Together our community is helping the helpers, those nonprofits on the front lines making sure that our neighbors are safe, healthy, fed and housed – and that-essential workers have transportation and child care."

The five food resource organizations and programs receiving donations address food insecurity throughout the Greater Rochester region. They include:

The Salvation Army Empire State Division: $10,000
UR Medicine Meals on Wheels: $5,000
Lifespan: $5,000
Ontario County Office for the Aging: $2,500
Home Meal Service: $2,500

In addition to the $125,000 donation in the Greater Rochester region, RG&E’s sister company, NYSEG, and the Avangrid Foundation announced a $175,000 donation to five community relief funds and 14 food resource organizations in its service area. In total, RG&E and NYSEG have contributed $575,000 to local emergency response organizations in New York state. The company also previously announced several steps to assist customers that have suffered financial hardships as a result of the virus.

For more information, visit RG&E’s COVID-19 response page.

Statements From Partners

“The Salvation Army Empire State Division anticipates a significant increase in emergency assistance for low-wage employees who may be laid off or out of work completely as a result of the long term impact of COVID-19,” said Major Ivan Rock, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Empire State Division. “This donation will ensure services like rent or utility assistance or other basic needs or emergency assistance programs are available to those economically impacted by this pandemic. We couldn’t be more grateful to corporate partners like Avangrid who choose to come alongside neighbors in need through their support of The Salvation Army.”

“Meals On Wheels is very grateful to RG&E for their support during this pandemic,” said Margaret K. Schweizer, Meals On Wheels Director. “In the last month and half, we have had a significant increase in referrals for home delivered meals – our seniors in our community are scared to leave their homes and are in need of nutritious meals to help keep them safe and healthy. With the support of RG&E we are able to help seniors receive meals delivered to their homes helping them stay home and shelter in place where it is the safest for them during this pandemic.”

“Lifespan is so grateful for the support of Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation, which will be used to cover the unplanned expenses Lifespan has incurred helping older adults remain safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. RG&E’s support is just one more example of our community coming together to help each other during this crisis,” said Ann Marie Cook, Lifespan President/CEO.

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