The North Bay and Area Community Foundation (NBACF) has announced $61,174.42 in grants to some local organizations.
Officials say the YMCA, PADDLE, The Symphony Society and the Algonquin Nursing Home will receive the grants to support their efforts in serving vulnerable populations in the face of COVID-19. The grants are part of the Emergency Community Support Fund funded by the Government of Canada.
“The YMCA is thrilled to receive funding support from the North Bay and Area Community Foundation for our Mobile Y which will focus on Digital Inclusion and Social Connections for seniors in North Bay,” said Nicole Beattie, Vice President Philanthropy, Marketing and Communications at the YMCA. “This project will be work in partnership with Canadore College’s, the Village, the Alzheimer’s Society as well as Living Fit, to support the seniors in our community whom we know are keen to stay connected but can be limited by their knowledge and access to digital tools.”
“The project promises to greatly assist seniors with social connection, which is critical to support mental health and quality of life and we see this as outreach that will be required well beyond the pandemic,” Beattie added. “We are working closely with our local health unit on new health and safety protocols and look forward to starting our first pilot group next month.”
NBACF officials say that eligible organizations can still apply for grants of up to $40,000 until July 27 or the local allocation has been distributed. The NBACF is reviewing and awarding funding on a weekly basis to support projects that help ensure no one is left behind in COVID-19 recovery measures.