An update from our CEO, Dale Biddell
As we continue to support our communities during the coronavirus pandemic, United Way Simcoe Muskoka is here to ensure that those who need assistance are able to get it. Through our expanded Urgent Needs Fund, increased mental health supports and funding for our front line services to adapt to meet the new needs of COVID-19.
Click here to hear from our CEO, Dale Biddell, about how United Way Simcoe Muskoka has been helping our communities.
Funding available for COVID-19 relief
The COVID-19 pandemic is having a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations in Canada. The Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) aims to help charities and nonprofit organizations adapt and increase front line services during COVID-19.
Since the pandemic started, these organizations have been working tirelessly to provide emergency support while demand for these services increased dramatically. The ECSF is designed to help these organizations and ensure no one is left behind. United Way Simcoe Muskoka is pleased to support this vital investment by the Government of Canada in critical services for vulnerable people in our community.
Ensuring supports for vulnerable seniors
While the coronavirus pandemic continues to hurt our communities and residents, many of our senior residents face increased mental, physical and social health risks. Social isolation, lack of transportation, difficulty with digital devices and help accessing food have all been issues that vulnerable senior residents of Simcoe Muskoka continue to face at an increased rate due to COVID-19.
Funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, United Way Simcoe Muskoka is ensuring resources and services to help our vulnerable seniors are there when they need it.
If you require assistance, we encourage you to call 211 (dial 2-1-1) to be connected to local resources and services.
Click here to read our media release for the New Horizons for Seniors Program
Support Local Businesses
Our communities rely on local businesses, but many stores and services saw their revenue drop to almost nothing overnight. During this time of hardship, the best way to help out local small business owners weather the COVID-19 pandemic is to purchase a gift card. Not only does it help now, but it gives you something to look forward too once social distancing measures are eased.
That’s why we’re running Local Businesses, Local Love, as a way to give back to our business community and our residents. When you purchase a gift card from any of the participating businesses, a percentage of your purchase will directly to COVID-19 relief.
Click here to view participating businesses
Your gift to the COVID-19 Fund is doubled
Thanks to two incredible community leaders who wish to remain anonymous, all individual gifts up to $20,000 to the COVID-19 Fund will be matched. This match will double the total of your donation, double the good it can do and double the impact your gift has.
Click here to have your gift matched and help those most affected by COVID-19.
Together, we can overcome this.
A message from our CEO
United Way Simcoe Muskoka has taken and continues to take steps to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, all while striving to meet the needs of Simcoe Muskoka residents. Click here to read a message from our CEO, Dale Biddell, about this pandemic and how UWSM will continue to support the communities of Simcoe Muskoka during this difficult time.
Together, we can make a difference.
We will get through this together
We know that many people in our communities cannot afford to adequately prepare for how COVID-19 is affecting their families. Many do not have supports to effectively self-isolate. Those who already face barriers put up by poverty need even more help during this time of uncertainty. The needs will continue to evolve. But, as you protect your family and those closest to you to keep them healthy, we urge you to think of those who may need the help of their neighbours.
Together, we can keep our communities strong.
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic.
For those in our community who already face barriers like poverty, social isolation, food insecurity and homelessness, help is needed now more than ever.
In order to help those who need it most, we need your support. It’s this support that will ensure the resources that our communities need will be there when they need them.
Everyone has an important role to play.
When you give to United Way Simcoe Muskoka, you help provide basic needs for local residents
