United Way of PEI launches Atlantic Compassion Fund in response to COVID-19 pandemic

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:

• Meet the immediate needs of the most marginalized in our community, such as providing access to food, medicine, transportation, and mental health support:
  
  
• Support outreach to seniors and vulnerable populations, such as grocery and supply deliveries, safety check-ins, or community interventions that replace traditional drop-in centre programming that is not permitted at this time;

• When this period of social distancing comes to an end, the Atlantic Compassion Fund may support programming or initiatives that will help bring our communities back together.

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.