More than $708K available for Prince George, northern B.C. charities via COVID-19 support fund

More money has been earmarked for charities and not-for-profits heavily affected by COVID-19 and could soon be allocated to local organizations.

The Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) is 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.

Prince George and regional charities can apply to receive some of the more than $708,000 in funds to be distributed by the United Way of Northern BC (UWNBC).

“On behalf of the Board of Directors at United Way of Northern BC, I would like to thank the federal government for recognizing the magnitude and urgency of the incremental needs created by this pandemic,” says UWNBC Board Chair Sotirios Korogonas in a release.

“We also appreciate the confidence and trust demonstrated by the selection of the United Way to steward the distribution of this funding to maximize local impacts to worthy agencies across the country. At the United Way of Northern BC, we are committed to ensuring this generous support gets to the most vulnerable and where the need is greatest throughout our entire northern B.C. region.” 

Organizations are being urged, however, to apply as soon as possible so a committee can review and rapidly allocate funds as the economy starts to reopen as of today (May 19).

"In our outreach, we have seen an increase in the need across northern B.C. for services to support our most vulnerable in response to COVID-19,” adds UWNBC Executive Director Trista Spencer. 

“This incredible influx of funds will help us to reach all corners of the region and help bring relief at this uncertain time. We are truly grateful for the support Canada is providing for this essential sector." 

UWNBC explains the review committee will be made up of regional stakeholders with a goal of making first decisions on the $708,000-fund in early June.

More information and applications for local charities is available on the UWNBC’s website.

“The funding announcement of $708,000 to United Way of Northern BC is great news for our community,” says Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty.

“I am so proud of the work they do to support our vulnerable and now, more than ever, this money is appreciated. Thank you to the entire team at United Way of Northern BC for your work and dedication to improving the lives of our most vulnerable and please be assured that I will continue to strongly advocate for United Way funding in the weeks ahead.”

As of this publication, there are 60 positive cases of COVID-19 in Northern Health.