Lloydminster non-profits and charities are getting a helping hand from the local United Way chapter.
Husky Energy has provided a donation to United Ways across the country to help with their COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund. The United Way Lloydminster and District was given about $100,000 with half spread out between agencies in the city and the other half going towards helping front-line workers at the hospital.
Some of the organizations that received a donation include:
- Residents in Recovery
- Midwest Victim Services
- Onion Lake Family Services
- Bea Fisher
- The Men’s Shelter
- The Olive Tree
- Big Brothers Big Sisters Lloydminster
- LPSD and LCSD Student Breakfast programs
Board Vice-president Larry Boswell says handing out the cheques to different organizations around the community was exciting and a learning experience.
“For me, moving into this city about a year and a half ago, I’m still learning about these places. I just thought I’ve got to get out and figure out who all these people are and where they are.”
Boswell adds he was amazed at the people working in these organizations and the work they do for members of the community.
“One that was really heartfelt for me was Big Brothers Big Sisters. The woman running that organization was so competent and incredibly knowledgeable in not just her organization but a lot of fundraising and needs in general. Chris and I talked to her for more than a half an hour, it was a real learning experience.”
Boswell says the board has been busy as they’ve also received from other companies such as Wawanesa Insurance as well as provincial funding which they will distribute to organizations in the community.
United Way Lloydminster and District’s board are still going through applications for the federal Emergency Community Support Fund which will also go towards non-profits and charities supporting vulnerable Canadians.
“We’re working together with [organizations] and trying to get it all to the best numbers that we can. It’s ongoing and cheques haven’t been processed.”
Boswell says the pandemic has caused disruptions in their own fundraising campaigns and they aren’t sure how they will move forward with future events yet. He says one project they’re working on is trying to get food hampers out to seniors living on their own or in low-income housing within the community.