The United Way NWT announced on Wednesday that it is now accepting applications for a new Emergency Community Support Fund for more vulnerable Canadians during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A May 20 news release stated that organizations or charities who have front line workers helping "vulnerable Canadians" cope with the virus have nine days - until May 29 - to apply for funding.
The federal government is making an additional $101,000 available for NWT community groups as of May 19 and funneling it through organizations that include United Way Centraide Canada, as well as Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.
"Vulnerable Canadians" could include groups who help seniors, similar to those who applied for the New Horizons for Seniors funding assistance provided this week, but could also involve a broader range of groups from gender groups to immigrant groups, said Meghan Kennedy, United Way NWT COVID-19 committee chair.
"(The Emergency Support Fund) is more broad and would include any and all vulnerable groups," Kennedy explained.
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The deadline to apply is May 29 and details on how to access funds can be found at the United Way NWT website.
Tracy St-Denis, chair of the United Way NWT said in a statement that her organization is looking forward to working with the Government of Canada on getting money into the pockets of community groups that can best help vulnerable people during the pandemic.
“The United Way NWT is pleased to be able to assist the federal government distribute funds from the Emergency Community Support Program to qualifying organizations in the NWT," she stated. "This is the second opportunity we’ve had to reach out to our communities with government funding and our third since the pandemic struck the North. The ingenuity of NWT non-profits supporting their community has been inspiring.”
Earlier this week, the organization announced its list of recipients for a campaign called New Horizons for Seniors which provided $75,000 to groups providing services to seniors across the territory.
Together We Are Strong
The United Way NWT has also been partnering with the Yellowknife Community Foundation to raise money for vulnerable people impacted by the coronavirus pandemic through the Together We are Strong campaign.
The Community Foundation had pledged to match money raised by the United Way up to $50,000. The deadline had been May 15.
On May 19, the organizations sent out a joint news release stating that they will be increasing the funding figure from $50,000 to $75,000. The deadline has also been extended to May 29 for interested parties to commit money. Donations can continue to be made on the Canada Helps website.
Robin Greig, president of the Yellowknife Community Foundation, stated the community foundation is looking forward to be helping others with the increased commitment.
“The Yellowknife Community Foundation is deeply committed to the Together, We Are Strong campaign and are excited to increase our pledge of matching dollars to $75,000,” Greig stated.
New Horizons
Another announcement is expected to be made on Thursday regarding the New Horizons for Seniors program.
NNSL Media will update this story as more information becomes available.