April 7, 2020, Thunder Bay, ON – The Thunder Bay COVID-19 Community Relief Fund continues to increase with daily community contributions. The collaborative fund that was created with the intent of immediate relief for frontline non-profit organizations and agencies, addressing urgent community needs during the pandemic, has grown to $229,000.
Today, United Way of Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay Community Foundation expressed its thanks for two major corporate contributions. Resolute Forest Products Thunder Bay pulp and paper mill has teamed up with the Thunder Bay sawmill and Ontario woodlands operations to announce a $25,000 donation. A second $25,000 commitment was also announced, contributed by the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation.
Many individuals, businesses and service organizations have also supported the Thunder Bay Thunder Bay COVID-19 Community Relief Fund since announced on March 18th. A very special act of local love came from the Transitional Care Unit of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. The staff came together to donate $1000 to the fund. Says Dr. Kristie Skunta, “It’s all about finding ways to come together as a community, while being apart. Our team realizes how difficult this time of social distancing can be for many, and we appreciate the efforts of all those helping to keep our community and staff safe.”
Last week six local service providers were granted funding through the Thunder Bay COVID-19 Community Relief Fund. The relief fund provides one place for philanthropists, community leaders, corporations and individuals to contribute, to help ensure that community members affected by the pandemic stay safe, healthy and have access to basic needs such as food, clothing, hygiene products, shelter and crisis counseling.
Says Albert Brulé, Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Thunder Bay, “As we all work together during the pandemic, these significant contributions provide support for those who need it most. Local service providers are seeing a surge of people in need and this helps ease the strain. The flexibility associated with this fund also allows us to act quickly and disperse the funding into the community almost immediately.”
Local agencies can apply for funding through the Thunder Bay Community Foundation’s online grant platform. Individuals and corporations are encouraged to donate to the Thunder Bay COVID-19 Community Relief Fund online at www.uwaytbay.ca or www.tbcf.org, alternatively by mail to either organization.
Says Alexandra Calderon, Executive Director of the Thunder Bay Community Foundation, “Non-profits say the impact of COVID-19 was immediate and will have ripple effects in the long-term. They all need a helping hand right now, more than ever. Many expect future demand for support and services to only increase in the upcoming weeks.”
