More than two dozen community service agencies across northern B.C. received some much-needed financial support, thanks to the federal government and United Way of Northern B.C.
The United Way distributed $288,000 in federal Emergency Community Support Fund money to 26 agencies throughout the north. It was the second round of funding through the program, aimed at helping the agencies that help the most vulnerable.
"We are so grateful for the funding available through the Government of Canada to be able to help the communities of Northern B.C.," UWNBC executive director Trista Spencer said in a press release. "We know there are urgent and long-term issues that are only increasing due to the pandemic, and we hope the allocation of this funding assists in even a small way to lift up our fellow agencies and the vulnerable they serve."
The United Way received funding requests for more than $674,000 from agencies across the north, showing the level of need through the region, a statement released by the United Way said.
Local charities that received support included the Carney Hill Neighbourhood Centre Society, Prince George Brain Injured Group and Prince George Native Friendship Centre. Regional agencies like the BC Cancer Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern B.C., Northern Brain Injury Association and Parent Support Services of BC also received support.
Many of the organizations earmarked the funding to support food bank and food hamper programs.
In addition to funding, the United Way has helped local agencies by providing personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer and other supplies to allow them to continue to operate.
"With the second wave of the pandemic upon us, the needs are growing and changing at a pace never experienced before," the United Way statement said. "UWNBC will continue to connect resources to needs in Northern BC communities, but we know we cannot do it alone."
Those who want to support the United Way's efforts can find out more by going online to unitedwaynbc.ca/donate.
