The Nanaimo Foundation and the Tom Harris Community Foundation have contributed $150,000 to launch the Community Response Fund for emergency relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first phase of funding will provide grants to charities within the boundaries of the Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district. Priorities include food security among vulnerable community members, assisting vulnerable seniors with social isolation and housing needs of low-income families.
“The unifying and enduring spirit of Nanaimoites is a cornerstone of our community,” said businessman Tony Harris, whose late father Tom founded a successful chain of car dealerships and mobile phone franchises on Vancouver Island.
“Presently, the coronavirus has created profound uncertainty leaving countless people in our community needing a hand up. People know we are in this together and thus we must come together to ensure we get through this together.”
Priorities of the fund will evolve with the need in the community. Priorities will be identified and funding will be released on a rolling basis. “It is critical to help those in our community disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The flexibility of this special fund will allow us to continue to respond quickly as needs evolve throughout this crisis,” said Laurie Bienert, executive director of the Nanaimo Foundation.
• For more information, or to donate, go to nanaimofoundation.com/ communityresponsefund.
