Since it began receiving applications in mid-April, the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation has awarded six grants totalling $28,600 from the Sunshine Coast COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. All grants awarded are supporting local organizations that are negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Pender Harbour Seniors Housing Society received $3,600 that it is using to purchase healthy meals for vulnerable youth. “These young people normally depend on hot meal programs at the high school to supplement their nutrition,” said Linda Curtiss, past president. “With schools closed, food programs are no longer available. We’re very pleased that we will be able to expand our healthy meals program to include these young people, who otherwise would be in dire straits.”
A $5,000 grant was awarded to the Sunshine Coast Association for Community Living, which works with individuals with intellectual disabilities. “While the clubhouse in Sechelt is closed due to the current restrictions, the association is delivering meals to 13 individuals and their families,” said Gabrielle Pape, vocational program coordinator. “Without this grant, we would have had to cut back on our support to a very vulnerable population.”
The Sunshine Coast Branch of the SPCA also received $5,000 to help address an increasing demand for its services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are using the grant to ensure we have the capacity to board pets for those who are sick, quarantined, or fleeing personal violence; to shelter pets that have been abandoned; and to provide emergency veterinary services for those who are living in poverty,” said Marika Donnelly, the local branch manager.
The Sunshine Coast COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund was established with funding from the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation, supplemented by a $10,000 gift from the Rotary Club of Gibsons, and up to $50,000 in matching funding from the District of Sechelt Community Forest Legacy Fund. Generous individuals have donated more than $13,000 to the fund so far.
“The response from generous community members is very humbling,” said Vicki Dobbyn, chair of the foundation’s board of directors. “We are lucky to live in a community where so many people are eager to help their neighbours who need support at this time.”
Those wishing to donate or apply to the fund should contact the foundation by email at [email protected] or call 604-741-7360.
– Submitted
