Churchill Foundation donates up to $50,000 to support basic needs, elderly and vulnerable
Kingston, ON (March 20, 2020) Like everyone in our community, United Way Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington has been monitoring the evolving global and local impact of COVID-19. In response, United Way has launched a community response fund to raise funds for those most vulnerable. The funds will go directly to support basic needs, supports for the elderly and most vulnerable, building agency capacity to respond to COVID-19 across our region.
“We know that in our region many people could not, and cannot, afford to adequately prepare for how COVID-19 is affecting their family. Those who already face barriers—things like food insecurity, poverty, homelessness and social isolation—need even more help during this time,” said Bhavana Varma, President and CEO of United Way KFL&A. ““Community members are looking for ways to help and that is where this fund comes in. Our community is strongest when we work together and support each other and that is what we strive to do each day, especially in times of crisis,”
As the largest non-government funder of social services, United Way believes that agency partners are closest to the ground and are keenly aware of the needs and issues emerging in the communities they are serving.
United Way is committed to continuing to support agencies and individuals and their needs and the following key areas have been identified, although this may continue to grow and change as needs arise.
- Help for seniors – support and ensure vulnerable people are not isolated
- Basic needs – access to food and supplies to continue helping the most vulnerable stay healthy
- Capacity for community services – community partners can continue to do their vital local work
- Mental health support – system navigation services and counselling
- Support for volunteers – support the amazing people who support others
To help launch the fund, the Anna and Edward C. Churchill Foundation has generously donated up to $50,000. The funds will be maximized through a matching program, matching any donation made to the fund up to $50,000 and encouraging community members to donate.
“During this critical period it is important to help those in our community who are vulnerable,” said Tom Wightman, chair of the Anna & Edward C Churchill Foundation. “The foundation looks forward to working with the United Way and helping the agencies and programs in KFL&A as our community responds to COVID-19.”
Visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca/covid-19/ for more information.
About the Anna and Edward C. Churchill Foundation
The Churchill Foundation primarily supports charitable organizations based in Kingston, Ontario involved with youth, education and health care. Above all else, the Foundation considers organizations that are in need of assistance or provide assistance to individuals and whether the grant will have an impact on the organization or the individuals who are provided such services.
About United Way of KFL&A
United Way works with individuals, organizations and key partners in KFL&A to build and strengthen the community, bringing people and resources together to facilitate change. Our vision is a future where people are self-sufficient in a community, where individuals live with hope, dignity and a sense of belonging. Visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca for more information.
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Media Contacts:
With social distancing in mind, interviews can be conducted via phone, Zoom or Skype
Mandy Pasch, Manager, Marketing and Communications
United Way KFL&A
613-876-3088, marketing@unitedwaykfla.ca
Bhavana Varma, President and CEO
United Way KFL&A
613-929-4828, bvarma@unitedwaykfla.ca
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