As the pandemic first descended on communities across Canada last year, the federal government created the Emergency Community Response Fund and partnered with United Way Canada and others to distribute $350 million to charities and non-profits that provide crucial resources and services to vulnerable Canadians.
Through that fund, the United Way Saint John, Kings & Charlotte distributed nearly $560,000 to dozens of local organizations providing indispensable help to people across the region.
The funding allowed for many services to be offered online for the first time, including classroom instruction, tutoring and mentoring, activities for seniors and outreach to women in recovery. It allowed for the expansion of meals on wheels services for vulnerable seniors, the purchase of home medical devices, and language support for newcomer youth, and so much more.
In some cases, this funding has sparked services that will endure beyond the pandemic and this relief funding – standing as testaments to how the United Way’s approach to funding for impact helps build stronger communities.
Read on for two heart-warming examples of how this support is making a difference in the lives of domestic violence survivors and seniors.