Media Release

$40,000 in funding available in Whistler and Pemberton area for charities supporting Covid-19 response 

For Immediate Release – Whistler, British Columbia, May 19, 2020 

Whistler Community Foundation (WCF) has partnered with Community Foundations of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada and the Canadian Red Cross to provide $40,000 in support for local charities responding to Covid-19. Funded through the Government of Canada’s $350M Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF), this vast national effort aims to support vulnerable populations who are disproportionately affected by Covid-19. Our community foundation is among some 150 community foundations taking part across Canada. 

Initially announced on April 21, 2020 by Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, the ESCF is part of a broad series of emergency response measures by the Government of Canada.

“COVID-19 is having a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable in our community, creating challenges for community organizations that we rely on for services and programs. The federal government’s Emergency Community Support Fund supports local organizations through national partners including the Community Foundations of Canada, so they can continue working to help Canadians in need.

“With this fund, organizations will have resources to train volunteers, increase at-home deliveries for seniors, drive people with disabilities to appointments, and adapt to the new realities and difficulties brought on by this pandemic. Thank you to the Whistler Community Foundation and the many local community groups and organizations in Whistler and Pemberton helping vulnerable Canadians during this difficult time. We are incredibly grateful for all that you do,” said Patrick Weiler, MP for West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country.

Starting May 19th, WCF will begin accepting applications for funding from qualified donees. Funding barriers have been reduced, and funds may be applied to a variety of needs, including staffing, resources, purchases and more. Funding will be issued on an ongoing basis through July 2020. 

Local charities and community organizations are invited to visit whistlerfoundation.com/grants for eligibility and application details.