Back to list Service & repair Sep 11, 2011 23:00 Direct Energy Sponsors 2011 Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Awards Toronto, ON (9/12/2011) - For the third straight year, Direct Energy, in partnership with the Ontario Community Newspapers Association (OCNA), is pleased to announce its sponsorship, alongside TD Bank Financial Group, of the 2011 Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Awards. Since 1981, the Junior Citizen Awards have recognized the best of Ontario's youth, ages 6 to 17, which have made a significant contribution in their community. "The Junior Citizen Awards is a fantastic program and we are excited to be involved for the third straight year," said Hillary Marshall, Vice President Communications and Corporate Responsibility for Direct Energy. "Direct Energy continues to support the Junior Citizen Awards and community volunteerism, because we strongly believe in the spirit of volunteerism and rewarding the leaders of tomorrow." Direct Energy, the largest competitive retailer of energy and energy related services in North America, is a member of Volunteer Canada's Corporate Council and in 2010 committed over $1.4 million in cash, product and services to charitable organizations across North America. An additional $213,000 was raised for charitable causes through employee-led fundraisers. "We are very appreciative for the continued support of Direct Energy as a primary sponsor of the 2011 Awards," said Don Macleod, President of OCNA. "Our goal to recognize outstanding young people in communities across Ontario would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors." The Junior Citizen Awards will be accepting nominations through OCNA beginning the second week of September until November 30, 2011. Up to 12 individuals will be chosen as final recipients of the award. Final recipients will be announced on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. The Awards Presentation ceremony will be held next March at Queens Park in Toronto and will be officiated by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. In 2010, over 106 nominees were received from across the province. About Direct Energy Direct Energy is one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers with more than 6 million residential and commercial customer relationships. Direct Energy provides customers with choice and support in managing their energy costs through a portfolio of innovative products and services. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE:CNA), one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, Direct Energy operates in 46 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 10 provinces in Canada. About OCNA The Ontario Community Newspapers Association is a non-profit industry association representing more than 320 community newspapers. Community newspapers and their dedicated staff are leaders in their own communities. The association takes pride in assisting our member newspapers to acknowledge the contributions of outstanding young people across the province. For additional information, contact: Emily Richardson Public Relations Direct Energy 1-416-758-8979 Emily.Richardson@directenergy.com Kelly Gorven Member Services Coordinator OCNA 1-905-639-8720 ext. 239 K.gorven@ocna.org