The municipality of Grey Highlands council has decided to create a relief fund to help local community service providers as they wait on provincial funds.
Earlier this week, the government of Ontario announced $200 million in social services relief funding for municipalities and social service providers such as shelters, food banks, emergency services, charities and non-profits continue to deliver their critical services, hire additional staff, and find ways to promote social distancing and self-isolation.
However, the deputy mayor of the municipality of Grey Highlands, Aakash Desai was concerned that local social services cannot wait for these additional funds to trickle down from the province.
“I want to ensure our food banks do not face funding issues while awaiting the roll out of the announced funding from the government,” Desai said during Wednesday’s Grey Highlands virtual council meeting. “As such, I would like the municipality to set up a bridge funding program that can be accessed by community service providers in Grey Highlands. I suggest we reach out to our food banks and see what kind of financial help they may require in the short term due to the global pandemic.”
Desai presented a motion to the council to create a relief fund of $5,000, that will be drawn from the Community Grant Program, to help local community service providers. The motion was carried unanimously.
“It is always encouraging when we receive a significant donation,” says Marian Doyle, co-ordinator with the Flesherton and Community Food Bank. “We are very pleased that our municipal government will have access to funds that can benefit Grey Highlands’ two food banks in Markdale and Flesherton.”
Doyle says Grey Highlands food banks are expecting to see a 20 per cent increase in use and staff are preparing to support 50 families.
“With the funds provided, we will be certain that we have the financial resources to purchase needed supplies,” Doyle says. She adds any additional donations are welcome at this time, but please be mindful of the local volunteers.
“Most of our food bank volunteers are seniors who have a very strong commitment to maintain the food bank, despite the COVID-19 crisis,” she says. “They are faith-filled to feed the hungry and very brave as they may be putting their health in jeopardy. We welcome all donations, especially financial donations at this time because products donated may be contaminated.”
The Gentle Shepherd Church Eugenia supervises food bank donations, which can be made through the church website or by calling 519-924-2065. The food bank is not accepting clothing donations at this time as building access is limited.
The food bank was open to the community this past Tuesday but is asking current clients to schedule a time for pick up. New clients are asked to call Doyle directly at 519-599-3576.
“We have a community in Grey Highlands who understands the challenges of people in need and are willing to share. I am so grateful and thankful,” Doyle adds.
