Community Foundation Grey Bruce is funding local organizations through the federal government's Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF).
Launched in May, the fund has distributed $193,770 locally through the Community Foundation.
In a media release, local Foundation Executive Director Stuart Reid says the foundation was able to support projects related to seniors, youth, and the community's food security.
Community Foundation says food security has been a concern during the pandemic and the Emergency Community Support Fund has helped provide meals to people in need.
Owen Sound based OSHaRE Executive Director Colleen Trask Seaman says, “Since the beginning of the pandemic in March, OSHaRE has served over 32,000 meals.”
She says that's a 300 per cent increase in their daily meals served before COVID 19.
Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MP Alex Ruff says in a statement, “COVID-19 has introduced new obstacles and challenges we have never faced before,” noting the fund will improve the capacity for local charities to continue to provide much needed resources and support.
Ruff adds, “Thank you to all the organizations and charities in the riding that provide vital services and assistance, your contributions do not go unnoticed.”
Organizations that received support from the fund are listed below:
-Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Kincardine & District to keep kids active and engaged during the summer, especially with games and sporting equipment
– Bruce Grey Child, Youth and Family Services to create Camp COVID, a safe online camp experience for child and youth who live in vulnerable families
-Chippewas of Nawash Food Bank to continue to provide community members with access to a sustainable food source without travel outside the community
-Easter Seals Ontario to provide an online camp experience for 22 children and youth from Grey and Bruce with physical disabilities
– Golden Town Outreach to offset the increased staffing costs for the Food Bank
– Owen Sound Hunger and Relief Effort (OSHARE) to provide lunch, dinner, and a personal connection for anyone who needs it from our community
– Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce to develop, implement, and facilitate virtual versions of volunteer recruitment/training as well as grief/bereavement programs and supports for families and residents; and a second grant to provide the necessary equipment needed to outfit the hospice home to continue to operate safely during COVID-19
-South East Grey Community Health Centre to provide intake, co-ordination, and brokering for our most vulnerable community members who are experiencing increased food insecurity
-Sheatre to inform seniors and the community about elder abuse prevention through informative and entertaining podcasts that include information about abuse and resources for assistance and prevention
-The Salvation Army Wiarton to staff the Food Bank and connect with program participants that are isolated during COVID-19.
The Foundation says, applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund are no longer being accepted as Community Foundation Grey Bruce was able to grant the full funding allotted to the community.