BOBCAYGEON: COVID-19 has hit close to home, and the community is rising to assist in this tremendous time of need. A group of concerned citizens has taken the lead to create a fund to help patients, families and health-care workers affected by COVID-19 in Bobcaygeon, Ontario and surrounding area; a community among the hardest hit by the virus in the province. “The stories I have heard about what’s happening are horrible,” admits City of Kawartha Lakes Councillor Kathleen Seymour-Fagan whose Ward includes Bobcaygeon and area. “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We have to do something, and I know people want to help. We’re in this together.” The urgency is real. Bobcaygeon is one of Ontario’s communities hardest hit by the pandemic. Seymour-Fagan and a few concerned local citizens have created the Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund to provide immediate assistance for eligible COVID-19 affected patients, families and health-care workers in the Bobcaygeon area with immediate support including: food supplies; transportation; technology; hiring and overtime costs; and mental wellness counselling. Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes (CFKL) is administering the fund and is advised by members of the Bobcaygeon community led by Councillor Seymour-Fagan. “I am honoured the Foundation was tapped to help take action to address this challenge in our community,” stated Foundation President Mike Perry. “This is what community foundations do: rapid, professional response to helping each other here locally.” Perry added that he was very pleased that it took less than 24 hours from the time he got the call to when the fund was established, was in a position to issue tax receipts to donors and received its first donation. “There were calls, emails and procedural issues back and forth. But this is a health and economic crisis here at home, so it’s all hands on deck,” Perry added. The eligibility of each recipient to receive funds will be determined collaboratively by the CFKL and the Bobcaygeon advisors. The approach to determine the eligibility of the recipients of the fund will be accountable, generous and inclusive. The CFKL will supply the funds to local businesses, charities and municipal bodies to deliver the funded goods and services to those identified in need. All activities undertaken will align with the objects of the CFKL and charitable purposes as defined by the Canadian Revenue Agency. The Foundation stands ready to help provide additional funds to help the communities of Kawartha Lakes. To donate to the Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund, contact Foundation Coordinator Margaret Cunningham by phone at 705-731-9775 or by email at the following address: info@kawarthafoundation.ca Bobcaygeon and area patients, families and health care workers in need should contact Councillor Seymour-Fagan by email at this email address: kseymourfagan@kawarthalakes.ca.