The YWCA NWT has received $195,100 in donations following the Oct. 2 fire that destroyed the company's headquarters and displaced 33 families in Rockhill Apartments. “The outpouring of support from the community has been incredible and everyone has really rallied around the
Amal Ali, Sahar Mohamed, Habab Mohamed Khair, and Amana Amana Abdelmagid were among nearly 30 volunteers involved in a Middle Eastern dinner fundraiser for the families of the YWCA Rockhill fire. The dinner was one of many ways that the community fundraised in the wake of last months fire
YWCA to help us make sure families are safe, secure, and have the essentials they need to move forward after losing everything in the devastating fire,” said Lyda Fuller, Executive Director YWCA NWT in an emailed press release.
The donations can be broken down into three categories: $93,300 came from the Canada Helps online platform, $74,400 came from corporate, business and individual cash donations and $27,800 came from GNWT and emergency funding.
“It is wonderful to see the commitment to our YWCA and its recovery through to stability. Our staff feel supported and appreciated, and I was impressed since the day of the fire how everyone rallied around us. I can’t thank everyone enough,” stated the press release.
According to the press release the received funds have been or will be used to purchase or supply 58 new beds, other needed furniture, bedding, towels and other household essentials, immediate and ongoing support for groceries and day-to-day needs, rental support as required on a case-by-case basis and supplies, clothing and other essentials.
In addition to monetary donations, the YWCA NWT said that they received numerous donations in the form of discounted moving services, household goods and discounted furniture, sporting goods and kitchen and bathroom supplies.
Discussion are currently on-going between the YWCA and different levels of government to move forward with a transitional housing model for the displaced families.
