United Way of PEI distributes $325,000 to 10 Island Charities thanks to Federal Government’s Emergency Community Support Fund

United Way of PEI distributes $325,000 to 10 Island Charities thanks to Federal Government’s Emergency Community Support Fund.

Charlottetown, PE August 3^rd, 2020  

On May 19, United Way of PEI launched a call for applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). The fund provides financial support to charities and other qualified donees adapting their frontline services to support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ECSF is funded by the Government of Canada and is being administered in collaboration with United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.

Today, United Way of PEI is pleased to share an update on the recipients of this funding. Over the past month, United Way of PEI has received 18 applications for community programs and services that support vulnerable community members. In total, 10 organizations have been approved for a total of $325,000:

·         Canadian Mental Health Association, PEI Division – Tablet and Internet for Isolated and vulnerable clients

·         PEI Literacy Alliance – Ready, Set, Learn Online Program Delivery

·         Prince Edward Island Association for Community Living – Support Match Worker

·         Cooper Institute (in partnership with BIPOC-USHR) – Responding to Racism in COVID-19

·         Boys and Girls Club of Summerside Inc. – Project Backpack

·         The Joyriders Therapeutic Riding Association of PEI – New COVID-19 Normal

·         PEERS Alliance – Support for PEI’s 2SLGBTQ+ Community

·         Abegweit First Nation Mi’kmaq Wellness Center – Greenhouse Project for Food Insecurity

·         Special Olympics Prince Edward Island – Healthy @ Home

·         Family Service PEI – Mental Health Counselling Service Expansion

 “United Way of PEI is proud to support the important investment of $325,000 into our local communities” says Andrea MacDonald, CEO of United Way of PEI. “The community sector has stepped up in an incredible way to address the immediate needs of vulnerable Islanders through COVID.  We are happy to be able to provide funding to support these 10 organizations in developing new or expanding existing initiatives across the Island to ensure Islanders are able to access essential services throughout the pandemic. We are grateful for the federal government’s funding and we thank them for entrusting in our process and local knowledge to distribute these funds across PEI.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is having a disproportionate impact on vulnerable members of our communities. The Government of Canada is pleased to work with its trusted partners to support charities and non-profit organizations through the Emergency Community Support Fund, so they can continue to serve those most in need,” said the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.