The Comox Valley Community Foundation is once again helping local organizations in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of its Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF), funded by the federal government, 14 local charities will be receiving $121,850 in grants.
President of the Comox Valley Community Foundation Matt Beckett says the grants make sure groups can continue to offer support to those who need it.
“We are inspired and humbled by the many charities and not-for-profit organizations in our community who are on the front lines of this crisis – working tirelessly so that none of our neighbours are left behind, even the most vulnerable,” said Beckett.
“Through the ECSF program, we were able to support a number of the organizations that continue to offer essential services and programs to those who need help during these challenging times.”
Recipients of the latest round of community support include:
- The BC SPCA Comox Valley ($2,500) for food for Comox Valley food banks and those in need, plus emergency boarding to assist pet guardians requiring support
- The Canadian Council of the Blind – Comox Valley Chapter ($600) for non-medical face masks for members
- Comox Valley Family Services ($14,560) for the Healthy Families program supported and offered in a new way, as a result of the pandemic – PPE for clients, IT upgrades & new, larger location to allow for in-person meetings
- The Comox Valley Head Injury Society ($6,095) for personal protection equipment for clients and enhanced food program supports during COVID-19 through March 31st of next year
- The Comox Valley Transition Society ($20,000) for additional counselling for women impacted by violence & COVID-19 related isolation through March 31st of next year
- The Comox Valley Transition Society/Coalition to End Homelessness ($20,000) for warming centre staffing – to allow the Connect Centre to remain open 7 days/week through March 31st of next year.
- The Cumberland Community Schools Society ($10,655) for its Food Share program – hamper and hot meal delivery program, between October 1st and November 30th
- Diabetes Canada ($2,000) for attendance at virtual D-camps for Comox Valley children, youth and families living with Type-1 diabetes
- The Glacier View Lodge Society ($5,000) to ensure the safety and comfort of vulnerable seniors – to assist with the purchase of additional supplies to protect residents and staff and technology to support resident and family visits
- Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North ($3,000) to help build affordable homes in a pandemic – supplies, PPE, sanitizer to ensure a safe building site for volunteers
- The Hornby Island Education Society ($5,295) to upgrade refrigeration for the Community Kitchen to safely undertake COVID-19 food program
- The John Howard Society of North Island ($5,000) for grocery store gift cards for youth clients and their families to meet food security needs during the pandemic
- The LUSH Valley Food Action Society ($20,000) to continue its Good Food Box delivery program to September (450 households every 2 weeks)
- The Vancouver Island Regional Library ($7,145) for digital care packages to combat social isolation in seniors, includes technology to access library resources and books delivered to all local care homes in Comox Valley
The ECSF is a $350 million fund that is being implemented with Community Foundations of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, and United Way Centraide Canada, in partnership with local foundations across the country.
Its goal is to provide support to charities and non-profit organizations serving vulnerable Canadians.
To learn more about the Emergency Community Support Fund, visit the Comox Valley Community Foundation’s website.
