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Local charities continue to provide services during pandemic

Restrictions associated with the global coronavirus pandemic have impacted the operations of many local charities.
SCCF
Sunshine Coast Community Foundation provided a $5,000 grant to the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre through its COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund.

Restrictions associated with the global coronavirus pandemic have impacted the operations of many local charities. Some have had to change the way they provide services, others have had to shut down completely, and some are starting to reopen, albeit under markedly different conditions. The Sunshine Coast Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund is providing support to many local organizations experiencing these challenges.

“The Foundation has awarded 18 grants worth more than $70,000 so far from our COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund,” said chair of the board Manjit Kang. “We see the requests coming from organizations that are continuing to operate while following safety protocols and also from organizations that have had to shut their doors and cancel virtually all of their fundraising activities and events.”

For example, the Sunshine Shack located in the Gibsons and District Community Centre provides employment for adults with developmental disabilities. With the Community Centre closed since mid-March, these vulnerable individuals and their families have missed out on the networking, stability, and support that comes from their connection to the Sunshine Shack. With a $1,500 grant from the Foundation, the Gibsons Family Network, which operates the Sunshine Shack, will purchase the necessary protective equipment and supplies to enable the safe resumption of operations when the Community Centre reopens.

The Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre initially closed its doors while its staff and volunteers figured out how it could operate safely. More than 20 per cent of local seniors depend on the Centre for a reasonably-priced hot meal, companionship, and a variety of group activities. The Foundation provided a $5,000 grant to allow the Centre to continue to pay its bills while its doors were closed and it was unable to collect membership fees.

Starlight Children’s Foundation is a national charity that supports families with seriously ill children. A $4,280 grant from the SCCF provided kits with games, crafts, and interactive activities to six families on the Coast who are caring for children with compromised immune systems.

“Thanks to the ongoing generosity of our community, we continue to accept applications for emergency grants. We expect that support for local charities will be needed well into the fall,” Kang said. “We are also very grateful to the Gibsons Rotary Club and the District of Sechelt’s Community Forest Legacy Fund for its significant contributions.”

To make a gift to the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund or to apply for a grant, see www.sccfoundation.com or contact the Foundation at 604-741-7360.

– Submitted