Your Community Foundation Update
October 21, 2020
At this time last year, it would have been inconceivable to imagine life as it is today. Local businesses working hard every day to keep their lights on, not for profits facing cancelled fundraisers while demand for their services increases, social bubbles held to 10, tightly monitored classroom cohorts, and mandatory masks in all public spaces. These are unprecedented times.
What we can count on is the kindness of everyday people in challenging times like these. People caring for the wellbeing of their neighbours and lawn signs thanking front-line workers. Essential workers making sure we have healthcare, groceries and pharmacy, maintenance, and transportation services. Parades of cars at hospitals and retirement centres recognizing amazing healthcare workers for their heroic efforts to keep us healthy and safe. Volunteers delivering food baskets to seniors. No matter their circumstances, people have been doing what they can to strengthen our communities. This kindness is what makes our region so special.
As your Community Foundation we have also adjusted to a new way of providing our services. For the safety and wellbeing of our staff and supporters, we are working remotely and will do so for the foreseeable future. I am extremely proud of our team. We are deeply committed to serving this region in the very best way we can.
Over the past several months our team has been focused on assisting the local charitable sector by providing much needed funding through our annual Community Grant program, the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) and our own Charitable Response Fund. And our investment in local communities is not stopping there. We recently announced our participation in Round 2 of the ECSF. By the end of this year our local grants will exceed $500,000, made possible by the generosity of fund holders, individual and business donors, and strategic partnerships.
While we can’t predict how the pandemic will unfold in the months ahead, we can continue to look out for one another, be kind to one another, and do what we can to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
With the realization that current restrictions may continue well into 2021, we have decided to postpone of our signature fundraiser, the Annual Mayors Gala, to November 2021. We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our supporters, our Foundation team, and our community. Thank you to our Mayors, business partners, and donors for their support in this decision. We look forward to the time when we can be together once again, when it is safe to do so.
I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude.
…to all our front-line workers who having been serving our communities and keeping us healthy and safe. We appreciate you.
…to our fund holders for the giving legacies you have created to support local causes and a wide range of community projects.
…to our business sponsors and donors for helping us take care of our operating and outreach expenses.
…to our leadership volunteers for giving so generously of your time and expertise to support our mission.
It is an honour to work together with you in service to communities across this region.
For 16 years we have been proud to be this region’s partner in philanthropy. The community legacies we help build, and manage, will support local community-based organizations today, tomorrow, and forever.
If you have any comments, inquiries, or even if you would just like to say hello, I can be reached at heidi@spccf.ca or 519-271-1503 Ext 221.
Wishing you health and happiness,
Heidi Culliton
Executive Director
