KAWARTHA LAKES-The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes announced that it is winding down the Bobcaygeon & Area COVID-19 Relief Fund (BACRF).
Launched in March 2020 in response to the pandemic’s impact on Bobcaygeon, the fund raised financial and in-kind support for local healthcare workers, Bobcaygeon’s three senior care homes, their residents and staff, as well as local families and individuals during a difficult and unpredictable time.
The support addressed financial and food insecurity, emergency housing, transportation needs, and provided access to mental health services, among other related needs. Much good has come from the generous giving to the Relief Fund over the last three years. As a result, over 50 families, 373 healthcare workers, 297 seniors in local senior care homes and 21 community organizations received assistance. Distributed funds were allocated as required to support areas of need.
In partnership with Kawartha Works Community Cooperative, support is offered via Impact 32 to focus marketing efforts on those businesses most affected and to promote renewed growth of Bobcaygeon’s year-round economic development for the benefit of all local businesses and residents.
“The immediate response of the entire community to this tragedy in our midst was overwhelming. We were so glad at the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes to be part of the effort to protect the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Jack Roks, Past Board President and Treasurer of the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes.
Officials say case by case, an overwhelming need was identified and recommended for funding through the Relief Fund Advisory committee. The eligibility of each request was determined collaboratively by the Bobcaygeon Advisors and the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes.
“The success of the fund would not have been possible without our generous donors, the support of the community and the Kawartha Lakes Community Foundation. I extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved including our local Advisory team of Elizabeth Byrnes, Jelle Visser, and Dianne Lister who all worked diligently, and gave unreservedly of their time, to provide immediate support and assistance throughout our community. A special thank you to Kathleen Seymour Fagan for stepping up to help initiate the fund as the crisis began to unfold and for working with the team during the three years that followed. By working together, we were able to aid where it was needed most and to help support Bobcaygeon as the community navigated the pandemic.”
As the Relief Fund is closed, and the remaining funds distributed, priority has been given to the high demand on the local food banks, for which use has doubled since last year. To address growing food insecurity and to recognize the value of our food banks in the community, contributions have been made to the Bobcaygeon Helps Food Bank and the Dunsford Food Bank.
“The Dunsford Community Food Bank appreciates the support of the Bobcaygeon & Area Covid-19 Relief Fund, the funds will help us purchase a new freezer and much-needed food items”. stated Fay Carslake, Board Chair and Manager of the Dunsford Community Foodbank.
A memorial dedication is being installed at Beach Park to be unveiled in the Spring of 2023. Additionally, a contribution has been made to the A. Sheila Boyd Museum, which following mandatory closures, now faces a financial burden to repurpose and upgrade its larger space as a community gathering space. For the Bobcaygeon Truth and Reconciliation Committee, aid is being provided to create a stone circle mediation garden at Beach Park. Once complete officials say this public space will be used for meditation and peaceful reflection to support mental health and learning space to support the understanding of Indigenous culture.
The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes helps individual, family or corporate donors give charitable gifts that will not only make an impact on the community today but will leave a legacy in Kawartha Lakes for generations to come.
