Guelph, Ontario, November 2, 2023. United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin is pleased to announce $864,113 in funding to 16 local organizations through the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund, which is being administered by United Way Centraide Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, and Community Foundations of Canada.
From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, community service organizations, including charities, non-profits and Indigenous governing bodies, across Canada have shown impressive stamina and creativity in their response to the diverse and increasingly challenging needs of their communities. To support the vital work done by these organizations, the Government of Canada invested $400 million in one-time funding through the Community Services Recovery Fund.
“The Community Services Recovery Fund responded to what community service organizations, including charities, non-profits and Indigenous governing bodies, need right now and supports organizations as they adapt to the long-term impacts of the pandemic”, said Glenna Banda, executive director, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin.
Nearly 5,500 projects are being funded under the Community Services Recovery Fund. Locally, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin provided $864,113 in funding to sixteen (16) local organizations across Guelph, Wellington County & Dufferin County, including:
- Action Read – funding to support hybrid program delivery, volunteer recruitment and fundraising plans;
- Community of Hearts – funding to assist with accessibility of day programs, including up-to-date equipment & technology;
- Hope House – collaborative funding for Hope House, Chalmers Community Services & The Seed, including a refrigerated truck to be used for increased food supply and pick-ups across the programs;
- Orangeville Food Bank – funding to provide a sliding scale market with fresh and nutritious food, bringing food to people and providing another option to the Food Bank;
- Eramosa Eden – funding to develop outdoor nature-centered sites along a forest trail to provide increased programming options and spaces outdoors.
Other recipients included:
- 10 Carden
- Art Not Shame
- Church of the Apostles
- Everdale Farm
- Guelph Public Library
- Guelph Wellington Women In Crisis
- Guelph Wellington Seniors Association
- Shelldale Family Gateway
- The Elliott Community
- Trinity United Church
- Wyndham House
“We are honoured to be able to support our community with this additional funding, at a time when fundraising resources are becoming harder to rely on. These funds will assist these organizations with programming supports that will help them to both build their capacity to meet the increasing demand for services as well as set them up for long-term success and longevity”, said Banda. “We are thankful to the Government of Canada for recognizing this need and trusting us with the delivery of funds to our local community.”
“The projects supported by the Government of Canada through the Community Services Recovery Fund demonstrate that we are a caring and compassionate society that values the well-being of all its members. It is heartening to see the compassion and empathy of our citizens as they give back to those in need. Projects like these are a testament to the power of our collective action and our ability to come together to make a positive difference in the world. I am confident that together we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in Guelph, Wellington and Dufferin,” added Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.
To view a complete list of funded projects across Canada and for more information about the Community Services Recovery Fund, visit communityservicesrecoveryfund.ca
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United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin has worked in our community for over 80 years to monitor and meet the pressing social needs of our community, including poverty, social isolation and mental health. Directed by a volunteer board, managed by committed staff and supported by thousands of donors, United Way works with partners in all sectors to improve lives and build community. Donations stay 100% local, always. For more information, please visit unitedwayguelph.com
For more information:
Glenna Banda, Executive Director
United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin