United Way SIBC invests over $1.3M for Covid relief

United Way Southern Interior BC (SIBC) has announced over $1.3 million has been invested in more than 90 charities throughout the region to support people who have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

The charity says grants have been distributed in the past few months to provide emergency relief and capacity assistance to frontline community service organizations.

“In crises, there exists opportunity. It has been inspiring to see the collective action over the last few months that has emerged in order to best serve those most impacted by the pandemic,” said Kahir Lalji, Executive Director of United Way SIBC. “The work of social and community based agencies have been instrumental life lines for our most vulnerable neighbours. We are grateful to all our partners, including all levels of government, who have come together to address urgent and emergent needs the sector is facing.”

“While we have been able to make incredible investment and impact due to the generosity of time, knowledge and resources of so many, there still exists a dire need in the sector and we continue to appeal to all our friends and partners to come together to address the social issues that have been heightened through COVID-19,” added Lalji.

In early April, United Way SIBC launched and distributed the COVID-19 Relief and Recovery fund in partnership with local donors, community foundations and the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. In addition, United Way SIBC launched a call for applications in May for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). The ECSF is funded by the Government of Canada and is being administered in collaboration with United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross. The fund provides financial support to charities and other qualified donees adapting their frontline services to support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.