United Way of P.E.I. launches compassion fund in response to coronavirus pandemic

In response to the current coronavirus (COVID-19 strain) health pandemic, the provincial government is contributing $250,000 to the United Way of P.E.I. for its newly developed Atlantic Compassion Fund.

United Ways across Atlantic Canada have come together to launch the fund that will support those who are most impacted by the widespread social distancing and other public health measures being implemented across the region.

Andrea MacDonald, CEO of United way of P.E.I. said the charity is committed to the most marginalized people in the community and it recognizes the increased risk and disadvantage that poverty creates.

“Funds will be available to registered charities servicing marginalized community members in P.E.I.,” said MacDonald in a news release.

“We will be reaching out to community organizations across the Island, developing a simple application process to be shared in the coming days”.

The fund will support community agencies and the people they serve during the coronavirus pandemic.

For example, the fund may be used to meet the immediate needs of the most marginalized in our community, such as providing access to food, medicine, transportation, and mental health support; support outreach to seniors and vulnerable populations, such as grocery and supply deliveries, safety check-ins, or community interventions that replace traditional dropin centre programming that is not permitted at this time; provide discretionary funds to service providers so they are better able to help those who will be underemployed, displaced, or further marginalized.

When this period of social distancing comes to an end, the fund may support programming or initiatives that will help bring communities back together.

The fund was initially spearheaded by Tom Rose, president of Atlantic Business Interiors, who is donating up to $100,000 in office furniture to support the community and non-profit sector in their ability to work remotely.

In addition, Rose will match dollar-for-dollar the first $100,000 of contributions made by individuals and businesses across the Atlantic Region.

He encourages fellow business owners, big and small, to consider making a donation to the fund.

The charity is working closely with its United Way partners across the region and is grateful to the United Way Halifax for providing a central donation platform for all Atlantic Canadians to use.

Island businesses and individuals will have the ability to donate locally through the site by selecting “Prince Edward Island” as the recipient province in the site’s dropdown menu.