United Way KFL&A COVID-19 Update – July 27th, 2020

Good afternoon! It is hard to believe July is almost over and that it’s been four months since the shut down. I hope you are continuing to find ways to enjoy summer.

In this week’s update, you can learn more about the programs receiving funding through the Emergency Community Support Fund, an opportunity for people to sign up to be emergency response volunteers, and an excellent article from Kingston Life that highlights the amazing work being done in our community in these challenging times.

EMERGENCY COMMUNITY SUPPORT FUND UPDATE

In May, United Way Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington launched a call for applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). The fund provides financial support to charities 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.

We are pleased to share an update on the recipients of this funding. United Way KFL&A received over $1.3 million in requests through applications. A special shout out to the amazing panel of experienced local volunteers, who reviewed all these applications. 42 programs have been funded, with $817,295 invested in programs.

A full list of the agencies receiving these funds can be found at www.unitedwaykfla.ca/grants/

Agencies in our community have risen to the challenge of adapting to COVID-19 in innovative, collaborative, and compassionate ways. United Way is grateful for this much-needed support during this global crisis.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Earlier this month, the City and the United Way KFL&A signed a memorandum of understanding that allows volunteers who have undergone all the required training and security checks to volunteer during an emergency event.

“This agreement formalizes the long-standing relationship between the City and our community partner, the United Way of KFL&A and puts in place standards that volunteers will need to meet,” says Chief Shawn Armstrong with Kingston Fire & Rescue (KFR), the department that oversees emergency management.

United Way will recruit 50 people, who will be registered, trained and available to assist during an emergency situation.

“An emergency can take many shapes, and these individuals could be called on to work at a temporary shelter or help communicate important messages to residents. These are examples, and as we know, an emergency can take many shapes and create different needs,” explains Armstrong.

Individuals with an interest in volunteering will complete a registration process, complete training specific to supporting the City responders working at an emergency.

This is an exciting opportunity for people to sign up in the event of future emergencies. If you are interested in learning more about this volunteer opportunity, or know someone who is, please email volunteer@unitedwaykfla.ca with “Emergency Response Volunteer” as your subject line.

KINGSTON LIFE FEATURE

Since the beginning of the pandemic, United Way and many organizations and volunteers in the community have come together to help meet immediate needs in our community. This collective approach is what makes our community so special and it is what has made our response to these challenging times so effective.

So many agencies, volunteers and staff members are working together to make sure our community can continue helping those who are vulnerable during the pandemic and this article showcases those efforts.

Kingston Life has published an excellent article on this response in our community and I encourage you to take the time to read it. Thanks to Kingston Life and Harvey Schachter for highlighting this work. The article can be viewed here.

You can always stay up to date by following our social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and of course, you can find regular updates on our website at www.unitedwaykfla.ca

Thank you! Your support is changing lives impacted by this pandemic.

Take care. Stay safe and well!