Leaders step up when a need is there. The Jawl Foundation, the Victoria Foundation and the Times Colonist did that with their rapid response to the impacts of the COVID-19 virus on the Greater Victoria community.
Also stepping up is the TELUS Victoria Community Board, where I serve as chair, with close to $115,000 in immediate emergency funding for nine local charities, including the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Society and the YW-YMCA support for young moms.
That’s leadership. And it demands our thanks and appreciation.
In my 50 years of involvement in responding to community needs, one thing has stood out for me: The way the community steps up.
My memory is clear as I recall the incredible leadership of the people who formed multiple teams to deal with the “Blizzard of ’96.” Hundreds of people led the way. It was remarkable.
As the owner of CFAX at the time, we were the voice of blizzard news to a community snowed and iced in. I was never more proud of my radio team and the Victoria volunteers who went above and beyond to serve our community needs.
It was a moment in time I will never forget.
Now, I am pleased to lead the applause for Robert Jawl, Sandra Richardson and Dave Obee for their personal leadership and contribution to the Rapid Relief Fund for coronavirus emergency relief.
As the instigators behind the Rapid Relief Fund, Robert Jawl and his family brought together the other partners and pushed for immediate action to support the community. But he didn’t stop there.
He went on to put up $100,000 from his family foundation to help launch the fund, and then he helped bring together a group of nine local tech entrepreneurs to put up another $355,000 as a matching challenge, including an additional $20,000 from his foundation.
He and his family are also supporting other initiatives around the city to help keep restaurants in business, feed the hungry and more.
That’s leadership.
At the Times Colonist, Dave Obee has been a tireless champion for our community’s response to the pandemic, shining a light on the positive stories of hope, courage and a community looking out for one another.
With a $100,000 matching challenge from the TC Christmas Fund, Dave and his team also put resources into the campaign, inspiring others to give.
Another true mark of a leader.
As for the Victoria Foundation, I must admit I have a personal affinity here. As an honorary governor and long-time supporter of the foundation, I’ve watched the organization grow to become the region’s largest non-government funder of charities.
I’ve also been fortunate to be emcee for many foundation events, and it really came as no surprise to me to see Sandra and her team step up at this time of need.
With Sandy’s tenacious yet gentle guidance, her group pulled together the back end of the fundraising campaign in record time.
On top of the $500,000 they’ve contributed to the fund, they’ve waived all fees, so that every dollar collected gets put to work in the community. And their volunteer board of directors has been providing the necessary oversight and guidance all along the way.
Again, true leadership at its best.
All of this is really just a prelude to my challenge to each and every one of us: Be a leader at this time of need. If you have the means, donate to the Rapid Relief Fund and encourage those around you to do the same.
If you do, I can assure you that when you look back on this experience, you will be proud of how you stepped up to the challenge before you.
Mel Cooper, Chair
TELUS Victoria Community Board
P.S.: Carmela and I are sending along our $10,000 donation, and another $10,000 on behalf of our grand- and great-grandchildren, which will be generously matched with a $20,000 grant by TELUS through the TELUS Victoria Community Board.
HOW TO DONATE TO RAPID RELIEF
Tax receipts will be issued. If you are open to receiving your tax receipt by PDF, please include an email address with your donation.
• Online: RapidReliefFund.ca
• Phone: 250-381-5532
• Mail: Send cheques (made out to the Victoria Foundation) to RapidRelief Fund, Victoria Foundation, 200-703 Broughton St., Victoria V8W 1E2
The Rapid Relief Fund was created by the Victoria Foundation, the Jawl Foundation, and the Times Colonist to help people in need as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. CHEK Television, Coast Outdoor Advertising and Black Press are helping to boost awareness. Every dollar received from donations goes out as grants to the community.
Donations are being distributed through the Victoria Foundation.
