Activating Emergency Community Support Fund alongside communities coast to coast to coast
The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unpredictable and challenging time for many, with some communities experiencing higher levels of vulnerability than others. Marginalized groups, youth, children and the elderly, essential workers, and newcomers are just some of the communities that have faced increased challenges. To provide emergency relief, the Government of Canada launched the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) to help support communities made increasingly vulnerable by the pandemic.
With COVID-19 cases increasing in many communities, and a continuous call for emergency relief, the ECSF has reopened with a second round of funding, providing much-needed assistance to charities and non-profit organizations serving communities experiencing vulnerability. The Government of Canada is flowing this funding through Community Foundations of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada and the Canadian Red Cross. We are proud to be working with CFC and the Government of Canada to deliver funding in the communities of Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Cedar, Gabriola Island and Lantzville to ensure that our citizens are safe and healthy. Through the ECSF, we will be investing an additional $70,260 towards local charities and qualified donees supporting people experiencing heightened vulnerability.
Grants Disbursed – round 1
| Organization Name | Project Title | Amount |
| Central Vancouver Island Multicutural Society | Newcomers’ Bridge to Employment (NBE) | $5,000 |
| Crohn’s and Colitis Canada | COVID-19 and IBD: Webinars and Resources | $1,500 |
| Haven Society | Enhacing services to women and children fleeing violence | $30,000 |
| Island Crisis Care Society | Emergency Response Centre Activity Fund | $8,500 |
| Nanaimo 7-10 Club Society | Feeding people with dignity and respect | $10,000 |
| Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh | Re-engaging Snuneymuxw Students and Families | $9,000 |
| Spinal Cord injury BC | Peer Support and Information for Spinal Cord Injury | $4,855 |
| Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada | Play From Home Packs | $4,820 |
| Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Society | Indigenous Intensive Outreach Navigator (IION) | $28,000 |
| Vancouver Island Crisis Society | Vancouver Island Crisis Line, chat and text services. | $34,200 |
| Vancouver Island Regional Library | VIRL Digital Care Packages – Nanaimo/Ladysmith | $21,435 |
| Wisteria Community Association | Stone Soup | $10,000 |