More than $100,000 in COVID-related grants are being distributed to 91原创 agencies that work with temporary foreign workers, indigenous artists, and people with physical and mental challenges.
On Wednesday, Jan. 27, announced funding from the federal Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) would be distributed to Options Community Services, Coast Salish Arts & Cultural Society, 91原创 Pos-abilities Society, Encompass Support and Inclusion 91原创 Society.
The $350 million ECSF was set up to help community organizations serve vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 crisis.
Distribution of the ECSF is being handled by the Community Foundations of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.
Since 91原创 doesn鈥檛 have a community foundation that is participating in the program, SurreyCares handled the distribution, explained Christine Buttkus, foundation executive director.
鈥淲e鈥檙e really glad to be able to support other communities,鈥� Buttkus told the 91原创 Advance Times.
The grants are the second round of funding, following the first round in July that saw more than $70,00 donated to Sources Community Resources Society, which operates in White Rock, Surrey and 91原创.
READ ALSO: Sources receives $70K from SurreyCares
Here鈥檚 how $107,000 in funds were distributed in 91原创:
A $14,470 grant went to for their Township of 91原创 Outreach for their Vulnerable Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) Project.
The project is to support vulnerable TFWs as they manage the impacts of COVID-19 by disseminating information on rights and responsibilities and resources through community and volunteer outreach and engagement.
Iris Solorzano, Program Manager at Options Community Services Society, said many of the recent arrivals of Temporary Foreign Workers are young males who are away from their families for the first time.
鈥淭he mandatory quarantine of two weeks was emotionally challenging for many, followed by the learning curve post-quarantine,鈥� Solorzano said.
鈥淲e experienced a high volume of TFWs reaching out for mental health support, health information, resources or just the need to connect with someone in their own language at all hours of the day and night.鈥�
Options will now be able to increase the number of hours of their current staff, from part-time with 17 hours per week to 35 hours per week.
Options has also partnered with Fraser Health Authority (FHA) to provide extra support and guidance for TFWs in accessing COVID-19 resources.
has received $19,100 to support virtual programs that aim to expand the communication reach of all indigenous people living within Coast Salish territories, to assemble and impart their knowledge via mentoring by sharing cultural teachings and protocols through social media platforms.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: Wheelchair maze a test of skill at Day Of Pos-Abilities in 91原创 City
has received $42,250 for the COVID - 19 Rescue Project to reorganize and reinstate their organization鈥檚 operational structure to achieve their objective of providing support to people with disabilities while adhering to the Social Distancing and COVID regulations. As well, the funding will enhance and expand the organization鈥檚 outreach, especially during these trying times.
received $25,190 for their 鈥淩educing Barriers for Mental Health Support for Children During COVID鈥� project, funding that will help in expanding counselling services during the pandemic.
鈥淭hrough this program, vulnerable individuals going through mental stress due to increased isolation, confronting illness, and facing difficulties in coping with changes brought on by COVID will receive appropriate counselling; children will have faster access to therapy,鈥� the announcement said.
received $6,000 for its Safe Services and Supports program to ensure access to required personal protective equipment (PPE) and to reorganize operational procedures to guarantee the maintenance of social distancing regulations.
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