MARGARET CUNNINGHAM, Foundation Coordinator, Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund
The Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund and it’s dedicated Advisors continue to support the needs of people affected by the many repercussions of the pandemic.
With the support and guidance of the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, this group of concerned citizens has redirected $116,607.45 in the last eight months, helping 512 members of the community through individual and family support.
This much needed care has come in many ways, including: food supplies, transportation, technology, personal items, shelter and mental wellness counselling. In addition, the Relief Fund has been able to partner with and support 15 community organizations, who, in turn, are assisting throughout the community. The need is still very much all around us.
“Bobcaygeon continues to need help and our community and neighbours have responded with donations so we can help each other. The outreach remains totally confidential and people continue to apply,” noted Ward 2 Councillor Kathleen-Seymour Fagan, who helped start the relief fund. Bobcaygeon and Area community members and health care workers in need of support, due to the negative impacts of COVID-19, should contact Councillor Seymour-Fagan, at this address: kseymourfagan@kawarthalakes.ca.
Funds have been donated by residents in Bobcaygeon and across Kawartha Lakes, as well as by local businesses and summer residents from the Peterborough area, Cobourg, Toronto and beyond. Donors recognize the need for support will continue for the unforeseen future and contributions to the Relief Fund will continue to come in. “Our community has always been there for one another. Sometimes we give and sometimes we need a helping hand,” added Ann Adare, a volunteer Bobcaygeon Advisor.
“Now more than ever, those of us who can must come together and help. COVID-19 has upended our lives and altered our daily routines, but, we are a strong community and with each other, we can make a difference,” said Marlene Morrison Nicholls, President of Stewart Morrison Insurance, which was the first local business to donate, providing $10,000 to the relief fund on the first day.
“We are very proud to manage this Relief Fund that supports local residents still in need due to this pandemic,” said foundation President Mike Perry. “This is a community in action.”
With the Christmas season here, the pandemic has changed the way we safely celebrate. Consideration to gift giving has changed, as thoughts go to how the pandemic has impacted others in our community. The Foundation encourages those who can to gift a helping hand, through the Bobcaygeon & Area COVID-19 Relief Fund. These gifts will support your community, your neighbours and make a difference in how others manage through this holiday season.
To learn more, request assistance, or to donate, please visit: https://www.kawarthafoundation.ca/bobcaygeon-relief-fund