Funds distributed to seven charities supporting Innisfil through the COVID-19 pandemic
Just in time for the holidays, the Innisfil Community Foundation announced that it has awarded $50,00 in grants to five local charities serving Innisfil residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Innisfil Community Foundation is proud to have once again partnered with Community Foundations of Canada and the Government of Canada to deliver the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) in Innisfil.
Round 1 of ECSF was distributed over the summer and Round 2 launched on October 5, 2020. With Round 2, Innisfil Community Foundation has invested an additional $50,000 through the ECSF towards local charities supporting populations experiencing heightened vulnerability during this crisis. The ECSF has supported the following projects:
Catholic Family Services – “Talk Back to Negativity”
This school-based youth mental health program for grade 7 and 8 students in public and Catholic elementary schools across Innisfil. Through remote-delivery workshops and webinars, youth will be educated on a variety of topics designed to foster preventative and early intervention mental health and resilience.
Christmas for Kids (all year round) – “Christmas Warm Clothing Drive”
COVID-19 has resulted in many families struggling with loss of employment. Christmas for Kids (all year round) is working at the ground level in Innisfil, helping to make sure that children in our community have food, warm clothing and supplies they need to grow and flourish.
Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka – “Food Security for Temporary Motel Shelter Program”
Throughout the pandemic, the Elizabeth Fry Society has seen increased referrals for their services, including many women from Innisfil. This grant will help protect the food security of the women while they are in the Elizabeth Fry Society’s Temporary Motel Shelter Program.
Gilda’s Club – “Worry Eater Workshop for Innisfil Elementary Schools”
This program introduces virtual workshop to help youth identify and address anxiety and stress exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by Gilda’s Club’s Child, Youth & Family Coordinator, a Certified Child Life Specialist with a Master’s degree in Pediatric Psychosocial Care.
Imani’s Place – “Outreach Worker”
Imani’s Place provides culturally specific and racially sensitive support for female victims of domestic violence and trafficking. There has been an alarming increase in demand for emergency crisis housing and counselling support since the beginning of the pandemic and a dedicated outreach worker will help women access the knowledge, supplies and resources they need while navigating crisis situations.
Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation – “Nocospray Disinfection Program”
As a community hospital serving close to 3,000 Innisfil residents each year, Stevenson Memorial Hospital is on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Nocospray disinfection program will protect the community by preventing the spread of viruses, significantly decreasing the risk of someone becoming infected by entering the hospital – especially our vulnerable elderly population.
YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka – “Health & Fitness Membership for Women and Children”
This program will provide local women and children with free access to the Innisfil YMCA. As we enter into the colder months of the year, it is harder to get outside and be active. This project will increase residents’ physical and mental wellbeing, and will also help alleviate financial burdens for families that are stretching to make ends meet during the pandemic.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared over nine months ago, community-based charities and nonprofit organizations have been working tirelessly to provide emergency support, in particular to individuals and communities experiencing heightened vulnerability.
“Canadian charities and non-profit organizations play a vital role in our communities and continue to do so in the face of real challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “Our government is pleased to support these organizations through the Emergency Community Support Fund so that they can continue to help the most vulnerable members of our communities during these difficult times.”
“Local charities have done an incredible job of rising to the challenges presented by COVID-19,” says Chair of the Innisfil Community Foundation Board of Directors, Sandra Rizzardo. “Through the ECSF grant we are not only providing funding to those charities we know well, but we are also beginning some exciting new partnerships to help expand support services for Innisfil residents. We’re grateful to the Government of Canada for recognizing the value in facilitating this funding opportunity at the local level, through community foundations like ours.”
With this latest announcement, Innisfil Community Foundation is pleased to report that it has granted $179,575 to charities serving the Innisfil community in 2020.