United Way Yukon Provides Funding to Community Service Organizations

    About 2,700 individuals and families in the Yukon are benefitting from the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund, provided through Employment and Social Development Canada.

    United Way Yukon has provided $80,000 to 11 community service organizations to strengthen their capacity to meet the urgent needs of vulnerable people affected by COVID-19.

    About 2,700 individuals and families in the Yukon are benefitting from the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund, provided through Employment and Social Development Canada.

    “We were pleased to be able to quickly flow these federal funds to a wide variety of charities and non-profit organizations that could use their local knowledge to help vulnerable populations in their communities,” said UWY President David Whiteside.

    A range of activities are underway, from meal programs and internet access for seniors, to social inclusion “connection circles” and mental health supports. Projects began in the early summer and have until March 31, 2021 to be completed.

    “The personal interactions that are happening as a result of these projects are helping people overcome the isolation that too many of us are feeling right now,” said Whiteside.

    Programs are being offered in Whitehorse, Haines Junction, Carmacks, Carcross, Pelly Crossing, and via the internet (e.g. Zoom).

    The Government of Canada’s $350 million Emergency Community Support Fund was announced in May. It is intended to strengthen the capacity of community service organizations—in all regions of Canada—as they help individuals and families affected by the pandemic. United Way Yukon received $6,800 to pay costs incurred in the management and administration of the program.

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