Local groups will work together to distribute federal funds for charities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Emergency Community Support Fund is a $350-million fund provided by the federal government, with applications for funding being opened May 19.
More than $1 million of those funds has been made available to charities in Saint John, Kings and Charlotte County. Those funds will be distributed by United Way Saint John, Greater Saint John Community Foundation, Fundy Community Foundation and Sussex Area Community Foundation.
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Ahmed Hussen said in a news release, “Canadian charities and not for profits are always there to help in your time of need.”
Alexya Heelis, interim executive director for United Way Saint John, says the pandemic has caused “new and complex needs” in the community.
She added it’s “imperative that local charities have the resources required to adapt and expand to meet these needs.”
Funding applications are now being accepted.
