United Way KFL&A COVID-19 Update – October 5, 2020

Good afternoon! I have so much gratitude as we approach thanksgiving weekend –grateful we live in this caring community, grateful for all the agencies that do such incredible work to support their clients, so thankful for all our volunteers and donors who collectively come together to support people in need every year. This year so many of our fellow residents find themselves vulnerable and we are grateful there are programs to help in this time of need.

In this week’s update you’ll find information about the second round of the Emergency Community Response Fund, an update on the Social Services Recovery Taskforce, and an update on the campaign so far including links to virtual resources being used to enhance workplace campaigns.

EMERGENCY COMMUNITY RESPONSE FUND ROUND 2

United Way KFL&A and the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area are once again accepting funding applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF).

United Way KFL&A is pleased to once again facilitate this important investment into our local communities. Agencies have risen to the challenge of adapting to COVID-19 in innovative, collaborative, and compassionate ways. We have seen firsthand the impact the initial funding has made in our community, and we know the need is still there. These additional funds will allow local organizations to continue their vital work and expand their programming where needed. United Way is grateful for this much-needed support for local residents during this global crisis.

Through the initial disbursement of funds, 42 programs totalling $817,295 were funded through United Way KFL&A and 29 programs totalling $413,720 from the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area.

Now, the Government of Canada is releasing the balance in a second round of funding. United Way KFL&A and the Community Foundations in Kingston & Area and in Napanee will be accepting funding applications from October 5 to October 30, 2020. The fund continues to provide financial support to charities, who are providing frontline services to support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, read the full release or visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca/ecsf

SOCIAL SERVICES RECOVERY TASK FORCE REPORT

Last update, I mentioned a recent Kingston Whig-Standard article about the Social Services Recovery Task Force (SSRTF). Now, you can read more in our update, providing progress and next steps. I encourage you to take a look if you have the time.

The update and more information about the SSRTF can be found on the United Way website at https://www.unitedwaykfla.ca/socialservicesrecoverytaskforce/

CAMPAIGN UPDATE

2020 Campaign Goal: $2,900,000

Raised to Date: $1,897,080

Percentage: 65%

As we enter week four of the 2020 Campaign, the numbers continue to reflect the generosity of this community. This year’s goal is ambitious, reflecting the growing needs in our community and donors are stepping up to meet the challenge.

The energy of the campaign is different this year, and many of our workplaces are enthusiastically adapting and finding new and innovative ways to raise funds. Volunteers across the region encourage their employees to give and find new channels and ways to communicate local needs.

Agencies have produced the most amazing videos (with new ones daily on our website) and volunteers are using these to enhance their campaigns. Campaigns continue to have speakers from our Speakers Bureau joining virtually for presentations in many workplaces. In fact, the City of Kingston took a virtual Seeing is Believing Tour last week focused on food security.

As always, this amazing KFL&A community is stepping up to support their United Way and we have no doubt the momentum will continue throughout October and through to touchdown!

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