THUNDER BAY – Non-profit organizations in northwestern Ontario have received over half a million dollars in COVID-19 relief, intended to support vulnerable populations through the pandemic.
The money comes as part of a $350 million Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) established by the federal government.
The United Way of Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay Community Foundation, which together are responsible for administering the funding in northwestern Ontario, reported Friday how that money has been spent.
The organizations have allocated $527,000 to 26 organizations since opening applications in May. The funding has been a boon to beleaguered non-profits, many of which report a “double whammy” of increased demand and decreased donations.
“Funding distributed is helping with urgent medical travel in the region, remote learning, enhanced counselling supports, programming for individuals with disabilities, and the purchase of equipment to assist in the development of a garden for Indigenous communities,” says Alex Calderon, Executive Director of the Thunder Bay Community Foundation.
The Dew Drop Inn received the most support of any single organization, netting $75,000 to support its free meal programs – including over $20,000 for increased wages the organizations says it will incur thanks to COVID-19 safety measures.
Elevate NWO, meanwhile, received $60,000 for its own food hamper program, which supports those living with or at risk of HIV and Hepatitis C.
The Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre received $50,000 to extend the expansion of its Good Food Box program to meet additional demand during the pandemic.
Precious Bundles Clothing Assistance Program received a previously-reported $40,000 to provide essential clothing items to those in need.
Other major contributions include nearly $50,000 for food supplies and storage equipment in Pic Mobert First Nation, and $35,000 for the Ma'mo'weh Wii'soo'ka'tiwin Foundation’s crafts program, meant to reduce isolation and improve mental health.
Hope Air received $20,000 to support travel and accommodation for those needing urgent medical care. The organization will provide 60 flights and 18 nights of accommodation to assist patients northwestern Ontario communities during the COVID-19 crisis.
A full list of funding disbursed is available on the United Way of Thunder Bay website.
Some funding remains available, and the United Way and Thunder Bay Community Foundation encourage non-profits to apply by the deadline of July 16. More information is available at the TBCF website.
