The Rapid Relief Fund continued to climb toward its new fundraising goal of $6 million, as the total neared $5.6 million on Monday afternoon.
The total was helped along over the weekend with a matching donation of $100,000 from Vancity Credit Union, which had challenged all comers to raise $100,000 between Wednesday and Saturday.
The $100,000 goal was reached by midnight Saturday, which triggered Vancity’s matching cheque and bumped the total to $200,000.
Vancity chief executive Tamara Vrooman said the company wanted to get involved because of its commitment to the communities in which it operates.
The Rapid Relief Fund was established by the Jawl Foundation, the Victoria Foundation and the Times Colonist to raise money to fund programs for the most vulnerable residents on the Island who are feeling a disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fund hit its first goal of $1 million within 36 hours of launch. One month after launching, it reached $5 million.
Capital Iron helped that total along to the tune of $3,000 after selling 150 heart flags. Owner Mike Black had the flags made based on the ones printed and distributed in the Times Colonist.
The flags, priced at $20 each, sold out quickly, with all proceeds going to the fund.
How to Donate
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:victoriafoundation.bc.ca/rapid-relief-fund-disbursements
