Powell River Community Response Fund has awarded $61,973 to be distributed to seven different projects, according to a media release on June 22.
“We were very impressed with the quality of applicants for this new fund,” stated Cathy Fisher from Powell River District & United Way. ““It is with great pleasure that we will be awarding these funds to deserving organizations in our community.”
Funds were awarded as follows:
· Canadian Council of the Blind, Powell River Chapter ($750) – Purchasing and distributing audio books and machines for persons who are legally blind
· Inclusion Powell River Society ($1,000) – Purchasing laptops for clients to participate in various virtual services offered
· Powell River Brain Injury Society ($2,500) – Purchasing Good Food Boxes (nɛmoɬsəm ʔeɬtənstomɛ, meaning “We Will Feed You”) for clients
· Powell River Farmers’ Market ($5,000) – Operating costs to keep the market running
· Powell River Miklat Recovery House Society ($10,000) – Operating costs to provide therapy to people living with substance use disorder
· Powell River Community Services Association ($17,723) – Building staff capacity to those needing support for government emergency benefits
· The Source Club Society ($25,000) – Operating costs to prepare and deliver meals to adults with mental illness
“There are sectors, particularly the non-for-profit sector, that have been greatly impacted in their operations due to COVID-19 safety regulations,” stated Shirley Court from Powell River Community Foundation. “This is a great example of leadership by local community organizations, for local community organizations.”
The allocated funds provide frontline services to vulnerable populations affected by COVID-19. Services could include food security; financial wellness; health and hygiene; home care or personal support services; information and navigation; legal supports; mental health and wellness; shelter; safety; social inclusion and learning, and transportation.
“We are looking forward to our next round of applications,” stated Tara Chernoff, VP community and marketing at First Credit Union. “We encourage any local not-for-profit organization serving vulnerable populations during this challenging time to apply.”
The next funding intake dates are Friday, July 3 and Friday, July 24. Applications for funding will be available at prcommunityfoundation.com/community-response-fund.
Partners in the fund are calling on organizations and individuals to give now at Make a Donation.
Powell River Community Response Fund is a special fund to rapidly deploy essential relief to organizations providing frontline services to those disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The partnership is led by Powell River and District United Way, Powell River Community Foundation, and First Credit Union, with support from the regional social planner, representing City of Powell River, qathet Regional District and Tla’amin Nation.
