More than $508K distributed to northern B.C. non-profits through COVID-19 support fund

Nearly two-dozen non-profits in northern B.C., including five based in Prince George, are getting an extra financial boost as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

The United Way of Northern BC (UWNBC) announced today (July 2) the first round of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF), totalling more than $508,000, has been successfully distributed to 23 organizations across the region to provide essential needs like food security and mental health services.

“It truly is a privilege to be able to support so many agencies across northern BC through Canada’s ECSF,” said UWNBC Executive Director Trista Spencer in a news release.

“The impact of this funding goes far beyond the dollars being provided as it helps connect the communities across the region with incredibly valuable supports.”

Among the organizations, 30 programs will be able to stay afloat with the funding as UWNBC says some have been struggling to provide essential services during these unprecedented times.

The ECSF was announced in mid-May as a $350-million joint federal investment with United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross in providing financial support for those adapting to the pandemic’s unprecedented circumstances.

”Thank you to the Government of Canada for providing this much needed support, thank you to the volunteers and staff that continue to work hard to administer the fund, and thank you to the agencies that directly help so many find the resources they need while they navigate this difficult time,” added Spencer.

The first recipients of the support fund are as follows: