The COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund started by the Abbotsford Community Foundation (ACF) has now raised a total of $72,000 for four local charities.
The ACF announced the establishment of the fund on March 27, saying that $30,000 would be distributed to four agencies that provide shelter and food for vulnerable people: the Archway Food Bank, Cyrus Centre, SARA for Women and the Salvation Army.
The foundation asked for donations to match that funding and, to date, an additional $42,000 has been contributed by the community.
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The ACF is still collecting money towards its goal of raising $100,000, and will provide a second round of funding to the four charities in mid-May.
As well, executive director Wendy Neufeld said the ACF is paying close attention to the announcement from the federal government that a $350 million relief fund will be established for the charitable sector and that Community Foundations of Canada will be one of the partners to deliver that funding.
“We are following this closely and will be ready to mobilize that funding to our community charities when the details have been finalized,” Neufeld said.
Donations can be made online at abbotsfordcf.org.