Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Jill Sperling

Federal Funding

Kamloops charitable organizations welcome announcement of federal funding

Apr 21, 2020 | 4:45 PM

KAMLOOPS — Non-profit and charitable organizations are struggling in this time of physical distancing and closed businesses, however, help may be on the way.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced $350 million in funding for charities hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many of these organizations locally are unsure of exactly what this means, but are welcoming the financial help.

The Kamloops YMCA health, fitness and aquatic centres have closed their doors, but as with other charitable organizations in the region, the work being done to serve the community has not stopped.

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“Connecting with people online, providing services, youth mental wellness programming, programming for families that are in need in a variety of circumstances,” Kamloops YMCA-YWCA CEO Colin Reid said.

On a national level, the YMCA has been among charities pushing for funding to make up for lost revenues.

“In the charitable sector, they’ve been pushing hard to try and find some kind of program that will enable charities to continue to do the innovative work that they’re doing in the community and to help serve citizens who need services in these challenging times,” Reid said.

The new funding will be channelled to organizations through The Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada and the United Way.

“We’re not sure yet what our exact amount will be,” said Katie Neustaeter, interim executive director of the United Way Thompson Nicola Cariboo. “Much like the New Horizons money that was allocated, they took a look at that and broke it down seeing who exactly they want to serve with this money and then trust that we know our communities well enough, which we do and we’re honoured to know, to be able to be able to invest it wisely.”

The Mustard Seed is hoping and expecting to receive some of the federal funding.

“That is welcome help that we are going to get from the government, which is appreciated very much,” Managing Director Mario Borba said.

The Kamloops Brain Injury Association relies on local support, much of which comes through the Gur Singh Memorial Golf Tournament held in September.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen with the golf tournament,” KBIA Executive Director David Johnson said. “I really want to honour Dr. Gur Singh’s name. He was a very inventive guy, he found ways to make things happen and I’m trying to emulate that.”

For now, the association is able to help its clients access programs with the support of the community.

“Maybe if we can get some federal money that allows us to stretch the Kamloops money out further,” Johnson said. “But at the end of the day, I really believe Kamloops builds Kamloops. We can’t wait for Ottawa to help us out, we’ve got to do it ourselves.”

Kamloops charitable organizations are welcoming the federal funding, knowing there will be a long road back to normal operations.

“As in the past, charities find a way,” Reid said, “they find solutions, we’re innovative, and we’ll find a way to serve the community.”