In response to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) health
pandemic, the United Way of PEI is pleased to share that the Government of PEI
is contributing $250,000 to the newly developed “Atlantic Compassion Fund”.
United Ways across Atlantic Canada have come together to
launch the fund that will support those who are most impacted by the widespread
social distancing and other public health measures being implemented across the
region.
“At United Way we are committed to the most marginalized in
our community and recognize the increased risk and disadvantage that poverty
creates,” says Andrea MacDonald, CEO of United Way of PEI. “Funds will be
available to registered charities servicing marginalized community members in
PEI. We will be reaching out to community
organizations across the Island, developing a simple application process to be
shared in the coming days”.
The Atlantic Compassion Fund will support community agencies
and the people they serve during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the fund
may be used to:
The fund was initially spearheaded by Tom Rose, President of
Atlantic Business Interiors, who is donating up to $100,000 in office furniture
to support the community and non-profit sector in their ability to work
remotely. In addition, Rose will match dollar-for-dollar the first $100,000 of
contributions made by individuals and businesses across the Atlantic Region. He
encourages fellow business owners, big and small, to consider making a donation
to the fund.
“We are working closely with our United Way partners across
the region and are grateful to the United Way Halifax for providing a central
donation platform for all Atlantic Canadians to use with trust and ease,”
shares MacDonald.
Island businesses and individuals will have the ability to donate locally through the site by selecting “Prince Edward Island” as the recipient province in the site’s drop-down menu.
“Many people in our community are in crisis right now,” MacDonald says. “Things like a lack of access to food, medicine and transportation, the closure of public spaces, lost wages, and inability to connect with family, friends or care providers can take already challenging circumstances to unmanageable extremes. Now, more than ever, we need to pull together to support those who need it most.”
To make your gift, visit the new Atlantic Compassion Fund site: https://donate.unitedwayhalifax.ca/give/277178/#!/donation/checkout
For further information about the fund, please contact David Webster, Director, Community Impact at 902-892-4155 or dwebster@peiunitedway.com.
