United Way of Sarnia-Lambton Compassion Fund
The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton has approved a second round of grants from the emergency COVID-19 Compassion Fund. The fund has steadily received applications from Lambton County non-profits since its inception on March 25, 2020. Donations to the Compassion Fund are helping to meet Lambton County’s immediate and emerging needs as a result of COVID-19. The United Way has received donations from many individuals in our community as well as a donation today from employees of the St. Clair Catholic District School Board for $5000 from their Good Samaritan Fund. The SCCDSB donation has been earmarked for food programs to support families and children. “The youth, families and seniors in our community are facing extraordinary challenges; we are thankful to the St. Clair Catholic board for its donation which will help ease the pressure that this pandemic is creating,” said United Way volunteer President Jason Killingsworth. Donations to the Compassion Fund allow us to fund local agencies who provide services to the most vulnerable on a timely basis. With today’s announcement, $25,000 in total has been allocated from the fund. Rebound and The Hub (2 Programs) - $5000 Program #1 – The HUB will use funds to provide help and supports for youth who may be facing homelessness. The HUB has seen an increase in the past two weeks, many who are accessing The Hub for the first time. Program #2 – Funds will be used to cover the costs of moving to an online platform for the Rebound spring programming which supports youth ages 8 to 17. The program covers topics such as substance use prevention, developing resistance and coping skills, and social skills development. Women’s Interval Home of Sarnia-Lambton - $5000 The pandemic team at the Women’s Interval Home is creating more space to ensure social and physical distancing for their clients. Funds will be used to adapt the residence so that women and their children can remain within the shelter while observing safety protocols. Donations to the Compassion Fund can be made online at www.theunitedway.on.ca or by calling 519-3365452. Dave Brown, Executive Director at 519-384-9270. *Please note the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton office is closed but all office staff are working remotely and have email, telephone and voicemail access.