United Way KFL&A COVID-19 Update – July 6, 2020

Good afternoon! I hope you are continuing to find ways to enjoy these hot summer days and taking some time to enjoy a staycation or socially distanced activities.

In this week’s update, you can learn more about the launch of United Together- a program to help the most vulnerable access masks, a large donation from Kimberly Clark and a recap of the last quarter.

UNITED TOGETHER

The United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington is pleased to announce a new initiative called United Together that aims to provide masks to the most vulnerable members of our communities. Since the start of the pandemic, United Way KFL&A has been working with frontline agencies to help provide personal protective equipment or funds to purchase this equipment to keep both staff and clients safe.

We know people are doing what they can to help flatten the curve. But for many, getting face masks isn’t easy or affordable. This initiative provides workplaces, families, and other groups with a way to purchase re-usable masks for themselves, while, at the same time, helping provide masks for vulnerable people in our communities.

United Way KFL&A will be selling cloth face masks (2 options at a cost of $12/$15) with proceeds from each mask sold going towards the purchase of face masks for vulnerable members of our community. Additionally, United Way KFL&A will distribute masks in the coming weeks to agencies to help their clients and people in need.

As we speak, over 9,000 masks (disposable and cloth) are going out the door to agencies across the region to help their clients access face masks.

For more information about the program, including updates on distribution sites, visit unitedwaykfla.ca/unitedtogether.

To purchase a mask visit unitedwaykfla.ca/masks.

KINGTON FRONTENACS

The Kingston Frontenacs are also supporting the United Together initiative through their own merchandise and mask shop. Proceeds from their sales will go directly to United Way KFL&A and the United Together program. Special thanks to the Frontenacs for their local love and we are grateful for the ongoing support.

KIMBERLY CLARK DONATION

In March, Kimberly-Clark Canada (K-C Canada) announced a partnership with United Way Centraide Canada to assist in its COVID-19 community relief efforts across the country, distributing 100,000 rolls of Cottonelle® and 10,000 Kleenex® Facial tissue boxes to help those in communities across Canada who require essential products most.

Communities were invited to apply for the products and five were selected; United Way Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington is thrilled to announce that our community was successful and on June 9^th, received a shipment of over 400 cases of toilet paper and 60 cases of Kleenex.

To help with the delivery of the products, the team at Lionhearts Inc. stepped up and generously agreed to receive the shipment at their warehouse. United Way KFL&A is now in the process of coordinating pickups with a number of local agencies w– watch our social media channels for photos of this amazing donation. Thank you to Kimberly Clark for this generous donation. Our agencies are so delighted and appreciative of this support.

APRIL THROUGH JUNE – GRANTING

As the shutdown started on March 17^th, United Way volunteers had to kick into high gear and ensure funds were available to frontline agencies through this crisis. The United Way KFL&A Covid-19 fund was set up immediately – and thanks to the generosity of local donors, over $300,000 has been raised. Initially United Way was able to apply for and access funds to invest in local responsive programs. We also allowed complete flexibility to our partner agencies to utilize their quarterly funding disbursements to areas of need.

Programs have been adapted to meet the socially distancing requirements and the needs of clients. Additionally, agencies have been adapting, revising existing programs, and creating new programs to help the most vulnerable.

We are pleased to report that, in this first quarter of the crisis, 87 grants, totalling over $1.2 million have been invested in local programs. Thank you to our volunteers, board of directors and staff for their speedy responsive actions – balancing accountability, need and speed. A special shout out to all frontline agencies who work so hard to help people impacted by the Covid crisis. Thank you to all who have demonstrated their local love!

You can find a list of grants disbursed here.

You can always stay up to date by following our social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and of course, you can find regular updates on our website at www.unitedwaykfla.ca

Thank you! Your support is changing lives impacted by this pandemic.

Take care. Stay safe and well!