THUNDER BAY - The United Way of Thunder Bay has announced two funding initiatives in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
In a release issued on Wednesday, chief executive officer, Albert Brule, said the decision to launch the two funding initiatives was made over the last few days in order to help not-for-profit organizations in the community that are facing extraordinary financial strain as they respond to the outbreak.
“This is a difficult time for everyone,” Brule said in a media briefing live-streamed on the Internet. “We need to support one another to get through this public health crisis."
The first program is the Community Response Fund, which will provide support to frontline organizations that are working to ensure community members stay safe and healthy during the pandemic. This includes providing basic needs such as food, clothing, hygiene products, shelter and crisis counselling.
Brule said all the funds collected through this fund will stay in Thunder Bay and go directly to organizations requiring additional support to cope with increased demands for assistance.
“We have been in communication with many of our local partners and have heard they will be facing extraordinary financial strain as well as other pressures as they respond to this crisis,” Brule said.
The United Way of Thunder Bay board of directors has also approved grant funding for United Way partner agencies from the existing Community Impact Fund.
“These one-time grants will provide flexible funds to human service organizations with deep roots in the community and strong experience working to address issues of poverty in Thunder Bay, “ said Kelly Gallagher, president of the organization's board of directors.
She added these funds will increase capacity of frontline organizations which will allow them to quickly put in place required to meet the needs of individuals and families affected by reduced or lost employment, school, service closures, self-isolation and other impacts related to COVID-19.
The local United Way office is currently closed to the public at this time and donations to the COVID-19 community response fund can be made online through the The United Way of Thunder Bay website by going here or by mail at 1006-715 Hewitson Street, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 6B5.
