LETHBRIDGE-The province may be moving towards the final stages of its re-opening plan, but that doesn’t mean the pandemic is altogether over. United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta is re-opening a stream of funding and will distribute approximately $80,000.00 to charity organizations in the region to be able to support clients in things like meeting basic needs, accessing mental health support, and addressing the after-effects of COVID-19.
“As things re-open, our community may seem very different than we remember it a year ago,” said Janelle Marietta, executive director at the local United Way. “Among other things, we have community members who have been out of work for a long time or have seen their small businesses close. There are children who have struggled to bounce between in-school and at-home learning, and seniors who have been extremely isolated.”
Marietta explains that the funding will help charities in Lethbridge and South Western Alberta to support people in returning to a life that feels more like normal, while also continuing to support many who still may not feel safe doing so.
“We’ve been in the “relief” stages of Covid-19 for some time, and now we’re entering the “recovery” part,” she said. “Charities and nonprofits have been stretched to their limits,” she said. “These funds will help organizations keep essential programs not only up and running, but flexible and adaptable to what comes next for them and their clients.”
The funds have been made possible through donations from a number of local and national companies, including The Co-Operators, Wawanesa Insurance, Canadian Tire, Scotiabank, ATB Financial and others. Generous donations from many individuals in the community will also be put to work through this funding.
“We really admire the way our communities have pulled together to support one another,” said Marietta. “We saw everything from charities partnering, and companies donating, to people just reaching out to their neighbours. We’re thankful to our community, and we definitely want to see more of this.”
Registered Canadian charities in Lethbridge & South Western Alberta are invited to apply for funds by July 15, 2021.
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