Oakville, Ont., June 17, 2020 – Today, at the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH) Virtual Town Hall on Social Justice, Wendy Rinella, CEO of the Oakville Community Foundation, announced the successful grant of $45,500 to the CCAH from the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF), funded by the Government of Canada. In addition, The Foundation also donated 200 personal protective masks to CCAH so they can continue to work safely within the community.
CCAH’s Beat the COVID-19 Blues project will support both local isolated seniors, front-line workers and their families. The project includes 12 weekly virtual interactive performances and activities, by professional artists and performers in Caribbean and African music traditions, and 400 Caribbean meals provided by local restaurants.
“These virtual performances and meal deliveries will enhance the quality of life, well-being and connection to the community for our vulnerable and isolated populations,” said Andrew Tyrrell, President of CCAH. “The project provides cultural education and fosters mutual respect and communication among community members while addressing areas of high need in our community.”
“We are so fortunate to have the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH) contribute immensely to our community. This funding will allow for the CCAH to provide continued support to members of our community during this time. We look forward to seeing all of the wonderful contributions that CCAH continues to provide,” said Anita Anand, Member of Parliament for Oakville.
“Programs such as this one are vital to the physical and mental health of our residents,” said Pam Damoff, Member of Parliament for Oakville North-Burlington. “The Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton has a long and valued history of educating our community, celebrating diversity and inclusivity and ensuring the needs of our residents are met. This exciting project, supported by the Oakville Community Foundation, will provide much needed support during these difficult times.”
Launched on May 19, The Foundation has now allocated $502,500 in grants to local eligible charities in Oakville, ensuring our most vulnerable citizens are safe and healthy. Since the start of the pandemic, charities and non-profit organizations have been leading the charge to assist those in the fight against COVID-19.
The ECSF is a $350 million fund that is being implemented with Community Foundations of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, and United Way Centraide Canada, in partnership with local foundations across the country. Its goal is to provide support to charities and non-profit organizations serving vulnerable Canadians.
For a full list of grants awarded through Community Foundations of Canada’s network, visit the CFC website.
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Oakville Community Foundation
The Foundation is a registered charity with 25 years of experience Building Community Through Philanthropy. The Foundation has granted $46 million to charities since 1994 and supports investments of over $110 million in charitable assets. We welcome families, businesses and residents into our community and give everyone the opportunity to be a philanthropist. The Foundation is one of the largest members of a national network of more than 190 Canadian community foundations.
For more information please contact:
Sarah McPherson – Director, Philanthropy & Communications
sarah@theocf.org | 905-844-3562 x302
