Update: We raised over $3,500 in support of weatherization on December 1st. Thank you!
Join the movement, support Weatherization on #GivingTuesday
This year, the Island Institute is asking you to support our Weatherization Week program on #GivingTuesday, and be part of a movement that kicks off the charitable season by coming together for one day to make a direct impact on a cause that you care about.
Help us fund a Weatherization Week (or two!)
Since the first Weatherization Week on Vinalhaven in 2012, we have held a Weatherization Week on 13 of 15 year-round Maine islands and reached more than 350 homes. This work saves Maine island homeowners $122,500 per year, reducing energy bills by about $350 per home every year. With your support we hope to raise funds to support two Weatherization Weeks and surpass 400 homes weatherized on Maine islands.
Goal: $5,000
Our direct cost for a Weatherization Week is $2,500. We hope to raise $5,000 to support this program and reach all 15 islands. On average we host 7 Weatherization Weeks each year, so your support is needed to continue this great work. Just $10 or $25 dollars makes a big difference. Every 250 gifts of $10 or 100 gifts of $25 raises the funds needed for a Weatherization Week. Together your gifts can have a direct impact by keeping Maine island homes efficient and comfortable this winter season.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation for what this weatherization program has done for both our island and our Sustainable Cliff Island group. Island Institute certainly has demonstrated its commitment to the Islander’s most basic needs, keeping our homes warm in the most affordable ways.”
– Cheryl Crowley, Cliff Island
How does a Weatherization Week work?
Many Maine island homes are old, drafty, and hard to heat during cold winters. Additionally, the cost of heating fuel is up to a dollar more per gallon than the mainland. Island homes are therefore prone to face shortage issue due to cost of fuel and complications of transportation and winter weather logistics.
Reducing drafts, improving insulation and making other small changes can reduce heating bills by hundreds of dollars per year and help keep money in the local island economy. However, paying for an energy auditor and contractors to make a multi-day trip to weatherize an island home is logistically complex and prohibitively expensive for most people. Working with local island partners, the Island Institute developed our award-winning “Weatherization Week” model in 2012 to make lowering heating costs for island homes easy and affordable.
“What started as one week in Vinalhaven has really turned into a movement across the islands to make homes and buildings more efficient and to lower energy costs for everyone.”
-Brooks Winner, Island Institute Energy Team
How can you help?
- Make a gift online today!
- Like our Facebook page to learn more about weatherization all week long (Nov. 30 – Dec. 4, 2015)
- Share with your family and friends and ask them to join you in supporting Weatherization
- Learn more about the Island Institute’s weatherization and energy efficiency work.
As Margaret Mead said, “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Through partnership and collaboration, Weatherization Weeks are making this change and having a big impact. Your support is needed and makes a difference. Join the movement, make a gift on #GivingTuesday, and support Weatherization!
