The United Way has received $200,000 from a pair of London-based developers to help its ongoing effort to support the region's most vulnerable through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Tricar Group and Old Oak Properties have kicked in $100,000 each to the United Way’s Local Love Global Crisis community response fund.
"Now is the time for the community to come together to support those in need as a result of the COVID-19 crisis," said Tricar Vice-President Adam Carapella. "Building homes also means building communities and we are committed to helping uphold the health, safety, and vibrancy within these communities."
Tricar's share of the funds will be split between several communities in southwestern Ontario. Elgin-Middlesex will receive $50,000, Guelph-Wellington-Dufferin will get $35,000, Sarnia-Lambton will see $10,000, and Huron-Perth will receive $5,000.
Tricar chose to give to United Way because of its ability to identify and quickly respond to the most urgent needs in the community, said Carapella.
Old Oak Properties President Greg Bierbaum is hopeful his company's donation will inspire others to give during this global crisis.
"When people see good things happening, they want to do good things too," said Bierbaum. "Large gestures like this inspire people to ask 'how can I help?'"
The United Way's community response fund was launched after the organization received a flood of offers from corporations, community leaders, and individual donors looking to provide financial assistance to those struggling due to the economic impact of COVID-19.
“We may be in uncertain times, but it is reassuring to know that we can rely upon the support of partners like the Tricar Group who share our commitment to supporting the most vulnerable through this crisis," said Kelly Ziegner, president and CEO of United Way Elgin Middlesex. "Together with donors, agency partners, and other funders, we are creating a coordinated full-spectrum safety net in London, informed by the work of the Mayor’s Social Impact and Recovery Task Force."
Ziegner added that donations like these help to keep the region's most vulnerable from getting pushed further into the margins.
To date, United Way Elgin Middlesex has facilitated more than $1-million in COVID-19 recovery efforts through charitable giving, future pledges, and government grants. The money was to begin being distributed to community service agencies this week.
Donations can be made to the United Way's community response fund by clicking here.
