Two charities, United Way of Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay Community Foundation, have joined forces to create a fund in support of communities across Northwestern Ontario affected by the devastating wildfires that have raged across the region.
According to its organizers, the Northwestern Ontario Wildfire Community Support Fund was created in response to inquiries from individuals, workplaces, organizations and United Ways across Canada looking to support communities impacted by the wildfires.
“The response to the wildfires has demonstrated the strength and compassion of communities across Northwestern Ontario and across Canada,” Albert Brulé, CEO of the United Way of Thunder Bay, said in a press release.
“People want to help, and this partnership provides a trusted way to ensure donations are directed where they are needed most—both during the immediate response and throughout the recovery process.”
The fund, to be stewarded jointly by the two organizations, will be operated in consultation with the City of Thunder Bay Community Support Table, Indigenous organizations and other community partners. It aims to offer a trusted, coordinated way for donors to help meet both the immediate and long-term needs of affected communities, providing coordinated support to front-line agencies and service providers responding to the immediate needs of affected communities, while also investing in longer-term recovery efforts as communities begin to rebuild.
A portion of the Fund will be dedicated to recovery initiatives administered through the Thunder Bay Community Foundation, with both organizations participating in the review and approval of grants.
“Disasters don’t end when the immediate crisis passes,” said Athena Kreiner, CEO of the Thunder Bay Community Foundation. “Communities continue to face challenges long after people return home. By working together, we can help ensure support is available throughout the entire journey—from relief to recovery to resilience.”
Those wishing to support the Fund can make a secure online donation by visiting www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/northwestern-ontario-wildfire-community-support-fund.
As of Tuesday morning, the fund had reached $49,857 of its $100,000 goal.
