First launched in May of this year, the Emergency Community Support Fund helped charities across the country deliver over 7,000 projects and provide assistance to vulnerable members of Canada’s communities.
On October 5, United Way Centreaide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross will re-open their application process for organizations with the focus of addressing the needs of communities and ensuring the funds reach all vulnerable groups.
“Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury charities and non-profit organizations have played a crucial role in ensuring our vulnerable populations have the support they need through this pandemic,” said Marc G. Serre, MP Nickel Belt. “They continue to make a true difference in the lives of residents even as they deal with operational and funding challenges. The second round of Emergency Community Support funding will allow organizations to further assist those who need it most and help them adapt to the changing needs our communities face. I encourage all eligible organizations to apply without delay.”
The funding allows organizations to offer various services including:
- increasing volunteer-based home deliveries of groceries and medications;
- providing transportation services, like accompanying or driving seniors or persons with disabilities to appointments;
scaling up help lines that provide information and support; - providing training, supplies and other required supports to volunteers so they can continue to make their invaluable contributions to the COVID-19 response; and
replacing in-person, one-on-one contact and social gatherings with virtual contact through phone calls, texts, teleconferences or the internet.
Eligible organizations include those that work with vulnerable groups, including seniors, persons with disabilities, children and youth, women, members of LGBTQ2 communities, members of racialized communities and members of official language minority communities.
“Canadian charities and non-profit organizations play a vital role in our communities,” said Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Ahmed Hussen. “But the COVID-19 pandemic is bringing real challenges to these important organizations. The Government of Canada is pleased to support these organizations through the Emergency Community Support Fund so that they can continue to help the most vulnerable members of our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.”