Yorkton & District Community Foundation announced it will receive an additional $30,000 to support local charities responding to COVID-19 as part of an ongoing partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada and the Canadian Red Cross, funded through the Government of Canada’s $350M Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). This vast national effort aims to support vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Yorkton & District Community Foundation (YDCF) is among community foundations across Canada that are taking part.
During the first round, the Yorkton & District Community Foundation granted $75,000 in June and July to assist six local charities.
Saskatchewan Abilities Council Inc. (Yorkton) received $18,750 to support the purchase of technology to augment in-person programming. SIGN (Yorkton) was granted $5,730 to support delivery of food and family resources and to assist transportation for seniors. Rail City Industries (Melville) received $15,000 to provide online services, learning and connection for the populations they serve. The Boys & Girls Club of Yorkton was granted $21,000 to assist children, youth and families to participate in quality programs and activities from the safety of their homes. SIGN Family Resource Centre (Kamsack) received $6,538 to provide resources and education to Kamsack and area families, with children prenatal to age five to support safe physical and mental health during the pandemic. Parkland College (Yorkton) was granted $7,982 for mental health and tutorial support of post-secondary students attending fall and winter sessions.
“There were more applications than could be supported in the first round so the Yorkton & District Community Foundation is very pleased to participate in flowing additional emergency funding to our communities through the ECSF,” said Sharon Tropin, president of the YDCF board. “Local charities and non-profit organizations are pillars in our communities. For over six months, they have worked tirelessly to support vulnerable populations through this pandemic. Our local charities struggle to meet demand while their normal fundraising activities are interrupted and revenues have declined. We also see the need for stabilization support for the sector, so they can continue their good work in our community over the long haul.”
Starting on October 5, 2020, Yorkton & District Community Foundation will have eligibility and application details on their website and will begin accepting applications.
“Charities and non-profit organizations are at the heart of our communities, helping the most vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 crisis. The Government of Canada is pleased to support these organizations through the Emergency Community Support Fund so that they can continue their invaluable work.” -The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
The deadline to submit an application is October 30, 2020.
Community members wishing to personally assist with the current crisis or who would like to donate to the annual YDCF endowment grants program can also visit the Yorkton & District Community Foundation website to learn more.
