Dear editor:
In the July 23 edition of The Lake Report we read the heroic stories of nine charities in NOTL who have adapted to meet the growing demands of our community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
As was noted in that article, charities have suffered a “double hit” seeing an increase in demand for services and a decrease in revenue with the cancellation of fundraising efforts and events.
Despite these challenging times, our local charities continue to step up to the plate by providing the services needed. From palliative care services, current health needs and everyday living challenges, our charitable sector continues to be there for our town in this time of need. But now it is our time to step up to the plate and support them.
Five years ago, under the leadership of then-Lord Mayor Patrick Darte, a group of passionate residents, leaders and philanthropists came together to form the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Fund, an endowment fund held in perpetuity, under the umbrella of the Niagara Community Foundation. Our goal from the beginning was to create a fund that would support our charitable sector in their time of need.
When COVID-19 hit, we were in a position to help, through both our local fund and the bigger Niagara Community Foundation funds. Thank you to all those who have over the years contributed to make this possible.
Since the pandemic hit in March, the NOTL Community Fund has been able to contribute $38,000 here in Niagara-on-the-Lake to meet current needs. The Niagara Community Foundation has invested $300,000 into the Niagara Region’s charitable sector, including $20,000 from the NOTL Healthcare Foundation Fund to support the emergency needs of our community.
On top of this impressive investment, the foundation facilitated the dispersal of over $900,000 of federal funds to charities across Niagara. They have been there for the charitable sector at each turn of this pandemic and will continue to ride the wave as we transition into the recovery phase. It can’t be done without all of us collectively involved!
As a proud resident of NOTL, I am acutely aware that as a tourist town with a mature population, there is a “double hit” in our vulnerabilities to the COVID-19 virus. As The Lake Report has urged us before, we need to remain vigilant to maintain the health of our community, however we also need to remain vigilant to ensure our charitable sector is not let down under the pressure and unknown future.
Just as the NOTL charities support those most vulnerable in our community, we, the residents, need to step up to the plate as well. Everyone’s support is needed and appreciated.
Please consider supporting our local charities by contacting the Niagara Community Foundation or a member of the NOTL Fund Committee to make a donation or to create an endowment fund that will not only meet the needs of today but will be ready for the double hit of the future.
The NOTL Fund committee members include Nancy Bailey, Ann-Louise Branscombe, Wendy Cheropita, Patrick Darte, Mario Ferrara, Brianne Hawley, Debi Pratt and Shawn Spiewak.
Mike Berlis
Chair
NOTL Community Fund
