The $21,000 grant was made possible through the Government of Canada’s new $350 million Emergency Community Support Fund which saw over $900,000 allocated to SurreyCares.
The goal of the African Collective Covid-19 Project is to provide food hampers containing culturally appropriate foods as well as protective wear (face masks, gloves), and hygiene items (hand sanitizers) to underserved members of the African Descent community in Surrey.
“Due to the high cost of living in Metro Vancouver, many People of African Descent (PAD) experience economic, housing and food insecurity due to low incomes and barriers to employment.,” said Christine Buttkus, Executive Director of SurreyCares. “Our goal at SurreyCares is to put the over $900,000 allocated to us to work supporting some of the more vulnerable members of our community”
The federal program is a national partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.
"We’re proud that Surrey is part of this national program and grateful to the Government of Canada for this much-needed boost benefitting local charities," added John Lawson, Chair of SurreyCares.
“For the African community, this is a very significant contribution from SurreyCares and our government,” said Charles Quist-Adade, Executive Director of African Stages. “Most of our members were born in Africa with a taste for African food. However, the prices of African foods here are very expensive and because of that, many of us have a hard time buying the amount of food we need, especially in the period of COVID-19, when our finances are stretched. This is a really great contribution, and we hope that others would also contribute or help us as well.”
Individuals and businesses who wish to support Surrey charities are asked to give to the Surrey Community Relief Fund. In partnership with the Surrey Now-Leader, Surrey Board of Trade and The Saheli Foundation the goal is to raise $500,000 to support the most vulnerable populations in Surrey.
For 26 years SurreyCares has been committed to inspiring donors, growing charitable endowments and investing in people, ensuring that Surrey is a committed, connected and caring community