(United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta)

By Justin Goulet

United Way opens more COVID relief funding for Lethbridge and southwestern Alberta charities

Jun 16, 2021 | 11:36 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Charitable organizations can apply for another funding shot from the United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta.

The United Way will be distributing about $80,000 to registered charities in the region to be able to support clients in area such as meeting basic needs, accessing mental health supports and addressing the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Executive director at the local United Way, Janelle Marietta said “as things re-open, our community may seem very different than we remember it a year ago.”

“Among other things, we have community members who have been out od work for a long time or have seen their small businesses close. There are children who have struggled to bounce between in-school and at-home learning, and seniors who have been extremely isolated.”

Marietta explained that the funding will assist charities in Lethbridge and south western Alberta to support people “in returning to a life that feels more normal,” while continuing to help many who still may not feel safe doing so. She stated that, “we’ve been in the ‘relief’ stages of COVID-19 for some time, and now we’re entering the ‘recovery’ part.”

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“Charities and non-profits have been stretched to their limits. These funds will help organizations keep essential programs not only up and running, but flexible and adaptable to what comes next for them and their clients.”

The funds have been made possible through donations from multiple local and national companies, including The Co-Operators, Wawanesa Insurance, Canadian Tire, Scotiabank, ATB Financial and others.

Marietta said, “we really admire the way our communities have pulled together to support one another.”

“We saw everything from charities partnering, and companies donating, to people just reaching out to their neighbours. We’re thankful to our community, and we definitely want to see more of this.”

Registered Canadian charities in Lethbridge the southwestern Alberta area can apply for funding until July 15, 2021. More details are available here.