Donate online at RapidReliefFund.ca. More options below.
Vancity is getting behind the Rapid Relief Fund with a $100,000 matching challenge. As soon as the fund rises by $100,000, Vancity will donate $100,000 of its own, said CEO Tamara Vrooman.
“We’re looking for our members in the Victoria community, as well as the Greater Victoria public, to help us make that an easy $100,000 to donate,” she said. “Because we know that there’s still tremendous need in the community with not-for-profits that are working to provide food, like the Mustard Seed, or working to support communities like new immigrants or the Victoria Native Friendship Centre.”
“As well, as we’re seeing an increasing focus on mental-health and wellness issues, which we know are increasing as the pandemic continues.”
She said Vancity, which has branches in Victoria and other Vancouver Island communities, is happy to get involved with the fund, which was put together by the Jawl Foundation, the Victoria Foundation and the Times Colonist.
When Vancity heard about the fund and how successful it has been “we wanted to do our part,” Vrooman said.
“We also work with a number of community not-for-profits in the Victoria area, as well as the Victoria Foundation historically,” she said.
“So we knew the good work that they do, as well as the significant needs in the community given this unusual time.
“This seemed like the perfect way for Vancity to be able to step up and make a contribution.”
Vrooman said Vancity is impressed by how the advisory committee that helps with disbursements operates.
“We really like the fact that that committee is on the ground and in touch with the emerging needs that are happening in the communities.”
The fund is “connected and current,” she said.
Vrooman said Vancity has been trying to do its part for members during the pandemic with things such as loan deferrals and forgiving interest on credit cards.
As of Tuesday evening, the fund has raised just over $5.3 million.
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.
