By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

a helping hand

United Way Central Alberta, Community Foundation set up COVID-19 response funds

Mar 21, 2020 | 10:49 AM

United Way Central Alberta (UWCA) and the Red Deer & District Community Foundation (RDDCF) are each putting up $50,000 to jump start a Community Response Fund in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is hoped that the dollars will enable the local social services sector to continue critically important work needed to keep people safe and well during the health crisis.

“Even in social isolation, we can lend a helping hand,” said UWCA CEO Brett Speight. “The Community Response Fund will help Central Albertans join together to provide incredibly important supports for agencies working on the front-lines right away.”

UWCA says that COVID-19 has put immense pressure on social services and as such need the support.

“We understand that all levels of government are providing substantial financial help,” said Carlin Doeksen, UWCA president. “We know more is needed and a co-ordinated Community Fund will make it easier for corporations and individuals who can afford to donate. United Way intends to be a strong partner during this crisis.”

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Erin Peden, RDDCF executive director says the obstacles being faces could never have been imagined.

As a Community Foundation, we pledge to provide supports wherever possible,” says Peden.

“In the meantime, we ask our friends, colleagues and donors to consider contributing to the Red Deer & District Community Foundation COVID Response Fund to help us effectively provide supports where it is needed. We will be looking at all areas of need so by donating to the fund, you are putting your support exactly where it is needed.”

FCSS is also collaborating on the funds.

Details on accessing and applying for funds will be available next week. Donations can be made online at www.caunitedway.ca or RDDCF.ca, or if you prefer to donate by cheque, contact brett.speight@caunitedway.ca.

On Saturday, more details were released about the Premier’s Council on Charities and Civil Society.

The council is comprised of 15 individuals who are considered influential leaders that will advise government on who to best support organizations working on social issues.

The province says charities and non-profits will receive $60 million in emergency funding.

The council’s members are MLA Jeremy Nixon, MLA Martin Long, Wayne Chiu, Chris Christie, Fr. Raymond J. de Souza, Saifa Koonar, Dr. John Lilley, James McAra, David Mitchell, Dr. Joel Christie, Hyder Hassan, Joanne Mason, Ashif Mawji, Liz O’Neill and Michele Taylor.