The Campbell River Community Foundation (CRCF) is in the midst of two campaigns that are seeding $325k into Campbell River charities supporting COVID response. They expect to raise $250,000 from local residents. In addition, CRCF has obtained obtain $75,000 in federal government funding.

COVID 19 Relief Fund

Some of the results of their community fund raiser are displayed on this page. As of May 18th, they have already raised close to $170,000 for their COVID 19 Relief Fund. $30,000 of this comes from the CRFC, itself.

“Our original goal was $100,000, but as you probably know, these are very generous, very thoughtful communities and so we tend to end up with a lot of individual and large organization donations. I wouldn’t be surprised if we are soon over $200,000 … We have other dollars that are coming in, so we reset for $250,000,” said said CRFC Chair Craig Gillis.

“Anybody who is in the School District 72 catchment area, which of course includes Quadra Island, Read Island, Cortes Island etc, is eligible to apply., We serve up to Sayward in the North and Oyster River in the South.”

They have distributed $60,000 so far.

Emergency Community Support Fund

On April 21, 2020, Justin Trudeau “announced an investment of $350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need.” Some of these funds are filtering down to the local level. The Campbell River Community Foundation, United Way Centraide Canada and the Canadian Red Cross partnered to obtain funding for Campbell River charities supporting COVID response.

“$75 000 in federal funds have been allocated to the CRCF.   The United Way and Red Cross would most likely have a similar allocation—–but as a CRCF Task Force we administer the federal 75 000 separately from funds they might have…..so it is our Campbell River Community Foundation Covid-19 Relief Fund Task Force that reviews the applications that come to the CRCF through the federal portal,”  said Gillis.

“Our mandate is primarily to work with organizations that are already registered as charitable organizations … That said, if a group doesn’t qualify as a potential donee, they can also go to North Island United Way. I believe they are positioned to deal with organizations that don’t have charitable numbers.”

As for organizations that do fit within the grant’s parameters, the CRCF website states, “Applications will be received and assessed on a weekly rolling basis, so that you can get an answer as soon as possible. The final closing date to submit an application will be July 27, 2020.”

As a result of the deadline, the CRCF will try to disperse the $75,000 Emergency Community Support Fund first.

“We want to use up all of this federal funding and, if possible, apply for more.”

The Campbell River Community Foundation (CRFC) started accepting applications for the federal funding on Tuesday, May 19. They will review the first batch of submissions at their weekly meeting on this coming Thursday. Approved applications go back to the federal government, who will issue the cheques.

Which Projects Are Eligible?

Some examples of eligible projects:

• Increased staffing and supplies at a shelter for women and children fleeing violence;
• Food supplies for First Nations members living on-reserve, where supplies and delivery are interrupted;
• Equipment for a food bank to accommodate a rise in food orders;
• Technology enabling seniors in-residence to connect with their families virtually;
• Preparing and delivering food for persons with disabilities;

Reporting Requirements

“Reporting requirements for projects approved for funding will be as light as possible – we know community-based organizations have important work to deliver right now. This process includes a short description of the outcomes and, once you have finished the project, a brief report due by April 1, 2021.”

Public Statements

In a press release, CRFC Chair Craig Gillis said, “Local charities and nonprofit organizations have been working tirelessly to support those who need it most right now. This additional funding is a much-needed boost to their efforts. We’re looking forward to flowing funds quickly to ensure no one in our community is left behind.”

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, added, “Canadian charities and not for profits are always there to help you, in your time of need. But the COVID-19
pandemic is bringing real challenges to these important organizations. With today’s announcement, the Government of Canada will be there for them so they can continue to be there for Canadians.”

Gillis added, “Yesterday, I heard an economist speaking with the CBC’s Michael Enright. He said, in essence, ‘we were able to make the progress we have because on our side of the government there tends to be trust in government. We don’t always agree with everything government does, but we have taken our cues from local, provincial and federal governments to a degree that enables us to be mindful of how we behave these last couple of months.'”

Contact the CRFC

You can access the application forms to both campaigns on the CRCF website. Should you wish to donate to the COVID 19 Relief Fund, click here. Or contact the Campbell River Community Foundation through

• Craig Gillis, CRCF Chair (250) 203-6330 craig.gillis@shaw.ca
• Dan Wickham, CRCF Task Force Chair ( 250) 203-8503 dajw09@gmail.com

Top photo credit: (r) Craig Gillis, Chair of the Campbell River Community Foundation giving a cheque to (l) Mary Catherine Williams, director of the Campbell River Volunteer Centre.