KAWARTHA LAKES-The relatively new Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes has dispersed more than $130,000 to a number of local charities.
The funds come from the Emergency Community Support Fund, 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 Emergency Community Support Fund is funded entirely by the Government of Canada, investing $350 million across the county. Of that, $136,400 was given to the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes.
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.”
Officials say in response to the urgency of need, the Foundation will flow the funds quickly to ensure no one in our community is left behind.
In little over two weeks, the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes received applications for funding from qualified groups requesting funds. 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
Mike Perry is the co-founder of the organization that was formed in November 2019. He says the Coronavirus pandemic is exactly the kind of situation the foundation was formed to help.
“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.”
Charities and community organizations are invited to visit www.kawarthafoundation.ca for information should additional funding becomes available.
