United Way East Kootenay is accepting funding 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 was announced by the Government of Canada and is administered in collaboration with United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.

“Canadian charities and not for profits are always there to help you, in your time of need. But the COVID-19 pandemic is bringing real challenges to these important organizations. With today’s announcement, the Government of Canada will be there for them so they can continue to be there for Canadians,” stated Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.

The mandate of United Way East Kootenay is “to provide financial assistance and support to registered charities which promote or enhance life for those who suffer physical, mental, emotional or financial barriers in our region.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, community-based charities and non-profit organizations have been working tirelessly to provide emergency support of all kinds—in particular, to individuals and communities experiencing continued or heightened vulnerability. Demand for their services has increased dramatically.

The fund is designed to help these organizations carry out their vital work to ensure no one is left behind. Funding period runs to March 31, 2021 with applications accepted to the last week of July.

Valley Community Services Society in Creston will receive $47,000 to provide counselling support to anyone struggling to cope with their situation that has developed or worsened due to COVID-19.

The Cranbrook Boys and Girls Club, Virtual Youth Programming received $10,000 to provide online virtual programming for youth age 12 – 18.  Activities will include cooking classes with supplies dropped off to participants, games, workshops and resume building.  Opportunities to connect, learn and grow.

The Trinity Lodge in Fernie receives $3,600 to provide picnic tables to support vulnerable residents with safe outdoor spaces to maintain social inclusion and healthy relationships.

We are waiting to receive six applications that we are aware of and invite charities wanting to provide services to help individuals cope with affects of COVID-19 to contact United Way East Kootenay to receive funding guidelines and an application form for Emergency Community Support Funding email [email protected]

The United Way East Kootenay region includes to the west; Creston to Kingsgate, Kaslo, Crawford Bay and Balfour to central area of Cranbrook, Kimberley, Jaffray, Wardner and Wasa.  To the north and eastern areas of the Columbia Valley and Elk Valley which include Invermere, Sparwood, Fernie, Roosville, Elko, Radium and many smaller communities. A large region with larger communities housing the majority of services for residents of smaller communities.  In some areas satellite service locations may exist.

The United Way office is located in Cranbrook and is available and working on outlying community outreach and collaborations on an ongoing basis.

United Way East Kootenay

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