Community Foundation disperses emergency support money from Canadian government

By Lindsay Advocate

The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes has dispersed $136,400 from the Emergency Community Support Fund, according to a press release, designed to support local charities responding to COVID-19 in partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada and the Canadian Red Cross. The local effort in Kawartha Lakes, including the United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes, aims to support our vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

“As a member of the CFKL application review team, it was evident from the start, that this would be a challenge,” noted Mike Bellamy, Foundation Vice President, “All applications presented a compelling and urgent need. Based on the funds available at this time, the Foundation is pleased to support projects which showed greatest need among our most vulnerable communities in Kawartha Lakes.”

In response to the urgency of this unprecedented need, the Foundation will flow the funds quickly to ensure no one in our community is left behind. Charities and not for profits are always there to help where needed, however the pandemic has elevated exceptional challenges to these important organizations. This financial boost will help them be there for those in greatest need, now and in the immediate future.

In little over two weeks, the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes received applications for funding from qualified donees. Requests include need for increased safety equipment, PPE and cleaning protocols, additional staffing, resource needs, purchase assistance and more. Available funding has been approved and awarded to the following agencies:

  • Community Care of Kawartha Lakes, $45,000 for specialized transportation service requirements
  • Tri-County Community Support Services, $41,887 for new virtual services for people with developmental disabilities
  • Women’s Resources Kawartha Lakes, $13,229 for additional staffing to support and shelter women during isolation
  • John Howard Society of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton, $10,000 for staffing to deliver outreach services
  • Boys & Girls Club Kawartha Lakes, $19,889 for cleaning staffing, additional PPE and supplies for children’s return
  • Spinal Cord Injury Ontario – Kawartha Lakes, $6,395 for supplies to keep essential workers and clients safe

As need for emergency funding continues, charities and community organizations are invited to visit www.kawarthafoundation.ca for information should additional funding becomes available.

Thanks to the Government of Canada’s contribution, the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes is proud to be entrusted with the much-needed investment into Kawartha Lakes for the benefit of its residents. Awarded funds will support local organizations serving vulnerable groups, helping us set the stage for more inclusive, resilient and sustainable communities.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, our local charities and non-profit organizations have stepped up to provide emergency support of all kinds—specifically recognizing our most vulnerable,” states Mike Perry, Foundation President.

“Demand for their services has increased significantly, and the Foundation is proud to partner with the Government of Canada to offer the financial support so needed at this time.”

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