For many years, United Way Estevan volunteers and the board have been working to support local charities serving the community, and the pandemic and related challenges only enhanced their goals.
Just recently the United Way Estevan announced that they will be distributing funding for local organizations working to ensure the community’s wellbeing. The application process for the emergency community support fund (ECSF) is now open for charities and other qualified recipients adapting their frontline services to support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The types of organizations that will be eligible for this funding include the ones working with food security, mental health and wellness, financial literacy, transportation means, support for victims of violence and abuse and anything that is related to or increased because of COVID-19.
They will help distribute the investment of $100,363.00 into the local community.
“It’s for community services that address social inclusion or wellbeing needs caused or worsened by COVID-19. It is to serve vulnerable groups, and (organizations that provide these services) can apply on our website at unitedwayestevan.com. We have an application at our home page,” said United Way Estevan executive director Sheila Guenther.
United Way Estevan president Melanie Graham said that they are very excited to be a part of the process.
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.
The first deadline is June 15, after which they will allocate up to 60 per cent of the funding. The last deadline is July 15, and after that date they will allocate the remaining money.
The United Way Estevan has already received numerous applications, but the decisions will be made after the deadline. Guenther said the demand for funding and support for vulnerable community groups is up. People that fall under vulnerable populations are marginalized communities, including minorities and newcomers, children, youth and elderly, along with essential workers and those who require specific care, like people with mental illnesses, addictions and disabilities.
The application process is quite straightforward, but if applicants have any questions, they can call Guenther at 306-634-7375.
This funding is exclusively aimed at Estevan organizations. The rural communities in the area may apply for support through the United Way Regina.
Earlier the United Way Estevan also received a $50,000 grant for food security. Guenther said it’s been working “really great.” They partnered with the Estevan Community Hamper Association to provide groceries to 100 families.
“We distributed groceries twice now and we are doing it every other week. The families are very grateful, because they are needing the support.”
Guenther said they are getting more requests from people that need help these days, and it is always very difficult to choose, but they are hoping they are helping the ones that need it most.
The United Way Estevan has also received some additional funding from the Government of Canada to help seniors dealing with isolation during the pandemic. Graham said that some of the money was used to provide extra cleaning services, tablets to connect seniors with their loved ones and support for counselling. They also prepared and handed out 170 blessing bags filled with activity books, notebooks, pens, snacks and other little things so people could feel the love coming from the community.
“They were delivered to seniors in Midtown Manor, Inglis Court, Valley View Heritage Place and Trinity Tower,” said Graham.
The United Way Estevan also set their Telethon goal for 2020 last week.
“We set our goal at $320,000, which is lower than last year, but we are very optimistic that we will attain our goal to aid our social service groups,” said Graham.
The allocation committee went through expenses and came up with an estimated recommended number, which the board accepted during the latest video conference.
The plan has been to host the traditional 44th Telethon on October 16-17, however, due to the pandemic the board is currently discussing different options for the event depending on how things go closer to the date. But Graham said that one way or the other the Telethon will happen.
“Be assured that our group will conduct the Telethon of some sort by year-end,” Graham said.
“I’ve seen it firsthand past years, how our community pulls together in support for our cause. Hopefully this year is no exception. We are definitely remaining optimistic because our member agencies are in need from year to year. And our goal is to continue helping them,” said Graham.
Money raised during 33 hours of Telethon go to 15 United Way Estevan member agencies and other community impact projects.
None of the COVID-19 related funds will count towards the Telethon fundraising efforts.
According to the last update, the letter-writing campaign aimed at cheering-up seniors during the times of self-isolation has been going well. Lead by the United Way Estevan Days of Caring initiative the community members have been sending cards and letters to senior homes.
“We encourage people around Estevan to send some letters. The addresses are all on our website, on our homepage … The seniors are really enjoying the letters that they’ve received so far,” said Guenther.
The United Way Estevan encourages people to continue with the letter-writing campaign as the seniors are still mainly staying isolated. Graham added that they and the volunteers from the community still miss having the in-person Day of Caring that usually takes place mid-May, but with the current situation in mind Days of Caring are working, as do other United Way Estevan’s initiatives.
“We are certainly remaining optimistic. And our vision is to positively impact the quality of life in our community through giving,” said Graham.
