LOCAL CITIZENS CREATE RELIEF FUND

Submitted by Kathleen Seymour-Fagan

COVID-19 has hit close to home and the community is rising to assist in this tremendous time of need. A group of concerned citizens has taken the lead to create a fund to help patients, families and health-care workers affected by COVID-19 in Bobcaygeon, Ontario and surrounding area; a community among the hardest hit by the virus in Kawartha Lakes.

“The stories I have heard about what’s happening are horrible,” admits City of Kawartha Lakes Councillor Kathleen Seymour-Fagan whose Ward includes Bobcaygeon and area. “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We have to do something and I know people want to help. We’re in this together.”

Seymour-Fagan and a few concerned local citizens have created the Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund to provide immediate assistance for eligible COVID-19 affected patients, families and health-care workers in the

Bobcaygeon area with immediate support including food supplies, transportation, technology, hiring and overtime costs, and mental wellness counselling.

The Fund will be administered by the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, advised by members of the Bobcaygeon community lead by Councillor Seymour-Fagan.

“I am honoured that the Foundation was tapped to help take action to address this challenge in our community,” stated Foundation President Mike Perry.

The eligibility of each recipient to receive funds will be determined collaboratively by the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes and the Bobcaygeon advisors, using best efforts. The approach to determine the eligibility of the recipients of the fund will be accountable as well as generous and inclusive.

The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes will supply the funds to local businesses, charities and municipal bodies to deliver the funded goods and services to those identified in need. All activities undertaken will align with the objects of the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes and charitable purposes as defined by the Canadian Revenue Agency. The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes stands ready to help create additional funds to help the communities of Kawartha Lakes.

To make a donation to the Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund, contact Foundation Coordinator Margaret Cunningham at: 705-731-9775 or by email to info@kawarthafoundation.ca

Bobcaygeon and area patients, families and health care workers in need should contact Councillor Seymour-Fagan by email at kseymourfagan@kawarthalakes.ca