Thanks to the generous support from the community during the virtual Stay-at-Home Gala which took place in May, $53,360 in funding has been awarded to 11 local charitable organizations to help in COVID-19 response efforts.
The fundraising efforts during the Stay-at-Home Gala enabled the Prince George Community Foundation (PGCF) to establish the Emergency Response Fund (ERF) to help address urgent needs throughout Prince George as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
“One of the things that we’ve heard repeatedly from our community is that, as a result of COVID-19, there are greater demands for a variety of support services,” said Mindy Stroet, Director of Development with the Prince George Community Foundation. “For many, the pandemic is not the only challenge happening in their lives. COVID is an additional stressor – emotionally, financially and otherwise – and the need for help may be stronger than ever.”
Up to $5,000 grants were awarded to support a variety of community initiatives, including:
- Providing technical services to help patients continue to access medical and support services, and provide medical staff training in modified life-saving techniques.
- Providing organizations with access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), plexiglass barriers and sanitizing cleaners.
- Providing tents, landscaping and other materials to create outdoor spaces that allow families to gather, support and hold funerals.
- Providing tents to shelter those from the elements while they wait outside for community support services, especially important as we near the colder fall and winter months.
- Providing support for programming to help seniors, one of the most vulnerable populations for COVID-19, remain connected and active even in isolation.
Since March, the PGCF has awarded more than $425,000 in emergency funding through the local Emergency Response Fund and the national Emergency Community Support Fund.
“The Foundation is so proud of our community for coming together to enable the support of these community initiatives,” said Stroet.
Emergency Response Fund Grant Recipients
- BC Cancer Foundation – Patient Comfort Fund
- Cassie & Friends – Juvenile Arthritis Support
- Kidney Foundation – Support for Patients
- P.E.E.R.S – Outreach & Food supplies
- Prince George Elizabeth Fry Society – COVID Support
- Prince George Hospice Society – Support for limited gatherings outdoors
- PG Therapeutic Riding Association – Horse Care
- Salvation Army PG – Canopy Cover – Pivoting to work under COVID 19
- Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation – 2 ambu airway management trainers
- Uniting Northern Drug Users – Drug user support services
- YMCA of Northern BC – Senior Connection Support
About the PG Community Foundation
True community development happens through the efforts of passionate citizens. Thanks to the vision and financial investment of local residents, the Prince George Community Foundation was created in 1995 to serve Prince George and region in perpetuity. With the sustainable management of an endowment, ongoing charitable donations and passion for community, the Foundation has provided more than $2.4 million to date for projects championed by local non-profit organizations who work to build a livable, resilient community.