BOBCAYGEON RELIEF FUND MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Generosity and neighbourly spirit are thriving as rays of hope in Bobcaygeon amid tragic loss and feelings of uncertain times.

Founded just a few weeks ago, the Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund has received contributions totalLing more than $150,000 from individuals, businesses, service clubs, and associations in Bobcaygeon, across Kawartha Lakes and from as far away as Miami.

The Fund is open to all eligible individuals, families, and health care workers in the Bobcaygeon area.

“The level and creativity of giving shows great generosity and community support,” declared Ward 2 Councillor Kathleen Seymour-Fagan, who helps lead the fund with a team of local volunteer advisors. “It really demonstrates incredible spirit.”

As the need and donations continue, all local residents who have applied and qualified for support so far have already received assistance including staff at Pinecrest Nursing Home and seniors’ residences, and local individuals and families. Additionally, funds have been provided to ensure access to food in this hard economic time, support for a 24/7 crisis line for local residents, especially youth who may be isolated in difficult home situations, and promote and enhance mental health counselling in the face of all the tragedy, loss and uncertainty. To date, more than 30 percent of the donations to the fund have already been dispersed.

“We are very pleased that the funds are getting in the hands of people who need them,” says Mike Perry, President of the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, the organization that is administering the fund. “We are honoured that the community foundation could be used to manage the funds professionally and that the foundation’s flexibility is helping in these very hard times,” he adds. The local Community Foundation is an incorporated charity registered with the Canadian Revenue Agency.

If in need of support, contact Councillor Seymour-Fagan at kseymourfagan@kawarthalakes.ca or call 705-731-9775. To donate to the Fund, contact Foundation Coordinator Margaret Cunningham at: 705-731-9775 or by email info@kawarthafoundation.ca.