The Squamish Community Foundation (SCF) was proud to receive a $11,012 donation from Western Stevedoring and a $30,000 donation from the Vancouver Community Foundation in late spring/early summer 2020 for dispersal to local non-profit organizations in support of their day-to-day efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following organizations were selected to receive the COVID-19 Community Response Funds from these generous donations:
Howe Sound Women’s Centre Society (HSWC)
Received $10,000 for Staff Mental Health Supports and Clinical Supervision. This will allow HSWC to address increasing staff burnout and compassion fatigue in order to continue to ensure staff are highly trained and supported, enabling the best outcomes for survivors of gender-based violence in the Sea to Sky Corridor.
Left to Right: Karen Clarke – SCF Executive Director, Ashley Oakes – HSWC Executive Director, Kent Warwick – Squamish Terminals, Karen Denis – Squamish Terminals
Squamish Helping Hands Society (SHHS)
Received $10,000 for the Under One Roof Food Hub Volunteer Program. This will allow SHHS to build capacity to operate a robust volunteer program and provide appropriate resources to support volunteer involvement including a more robust and structured training program for volunteers and the hiring of a skilled Volunteer Coordinator. This program will be able to better meet the needs of participants, enhance food rescue and recovery, and track food donations and food waste.
Left to Right: Jill Carter – SCF Board Director, Pam Duynstee – SCF Board Vice-President, Maureen Mackell – SHHS Executive Director, Kent Warwick – Squamish Terminals, Karen Denis – Squamish Terminals
Sea to Sky Community Services Society (SSCS)
Received $10,000 for Covid-19 Staff and Community Wellness Program Support. This will allow SSCS to provide staff with on-line and/or group counselling sessions, to have internal and external ad campaigns to bring awareness and attention to mental health and wellness, as well as promote the following additional wellness activities: yoga, meditation, group hikes, live music and art therapy. A Squamish Nation elder will provide cultural wellness training. A final piece will provide each staff with a wellness package, including information on wellness and a healthy picnic meal for their family.
Left to Right: Karen Clarke – SCF Executive Director, Kent Warwick – Squamish Terminals, Laura Arason – SSCS Human Resources Director, Karen Denis – Squamish Terminals
Received $10,000 for Emergency Support for Pet Guardians in Need. This will allow the SPCA staff time to distribute donated food, spay/neuter services and emergency boarding for vulnerable pet guardians.
Left to Right: Jill Carter – SCF Board Director, Krista Unser – Sea to Sky SPCA Branch Manager, Kent Warwick – Squamish Terminals
Any remaining donated funds and monies raised through SCF’s Emergency Covid Fund Canada Helps page will be distributed equally between these four organizations at the end of October 2020.
We wish to extend a huge thank you to Western Stevedoring and the Vancouver Community Foundation for your generous donations and support of Squamish’s non-profit organizations who are working with some of our most vulnerable populations.
