For Immediate Release
May 22, 2009

First Alert Canada Donation will Save Lives

WOODSTOCK – Today Jim H. Rotz, representing First Alert Canada, presented Operation Sharing with 75 Carbon Monoxide detectors to be distributed to some of Oxford’s less fortunate.

“I want to thank Jim Rotz and First Alert Canada for this generous donation which will save lives,” said Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford. “Our community has been tragically reminded about the necessity of having functioning carbon monoxide alarms in our homes and this donation will ensure that some people who might have difficulty purchasing a detector will now have that protection.”

The C0400 carbon monoxide alarms which were donated by First Alert Canada are valued at $29.99 each for a total donation almost $2,500 and come with battery back up to ensure protection even in a power outage. First Alert is one of the most trusted and recognized safety brands in North America. The alarms are in environmentally friendly PET packaging.
“I want to thank First Alert for this very generous donation,” said Bob Hunter, board member of Operation Sharing. “Through their generosity some good is coming out of this tragedy and that other lives will be saved, perhaps some of our Operation Sharing Family.”
Operation Sharing is an organization which helps the less fortunate of Oxford County through programs such as: Food for Friends cards, lunches, a place to meet, counseling and support, and winter shelter at the Inn out of the Cold.

“First Alert Canada is pleased to participate in today’s event and contribute to the good work that Operation Sharing does in providing for the less fortunate,” said Jim Rotz, president of Jarden Branded Consumables, which includes First Alert Canada. “We welcome the efforts of Ernie Hardeman in our mutual goal of saving the people of Ontario from the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.”

Hardeman introduced a private members bill, the Hawkins Gignac Act which would require functioning carbon monoxide detectors in every home in Ontario. The bill was named after the Woodstock family that was tragically killed by Carbon Monoxide Poisoning late last year. The bill passed second reading on April 2, 2009 and has been referred to the Standing Committee on General Government.

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For more information, contact:
Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford
(416) 325-1239