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Generosity

Albertans raise about $7M for COVID-19 support efforts

Jul 2, 2020 | 1:48 PM

The generosity of Albertans led to about $7 million being raised for designated COVID-19 fundraising campaigns this spring.

Albertans donated $5 million to the eight charities between April 15 and May 31. The provincial government supported the fundraising by agreeing to match donations up to $2 million.

The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, which established the COVID Response for Southeast Alberta fund, was one of the designated charities. The donations to all the groups will help to feed the hungry, care for seniors, support at-risk children and keep Albertans employed.

“Albertans have come together to help others during a time when we are all struggling with different challenges due to COVID-19,” says Leela Sharon Aheer, minister of culture, multiculturalism and status of women.

“As we begin the road to recovery, we thank Albertans for their overwhelming response and for kindly donating to help these fundraising campaigns so they can continue to meet the needs of vulnerable communities,” she continues. “Every donation matters, and we are hearing amazing stories about the great work our partner charities are doing to get dollars quickly to local charities delivering services to Albertans in need.”

The other seven designated charities are:

  • United Way of the Capital Region – Local Love in a Global Crisis Campaign
  • United Way Calgary and Area – COVID-19 Community Response Fund
  • United Way Central Alberta – COVID-19 Community Response Fund
  • Calgary Foundation – COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery Program
  • Edmonton Community Foundation – COVID Rapid Response Fund
  • Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta – COVID Response and Recovery Grants Program
  • Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta – Better Together COVID-19 Response Fund/Community Kitchen and Food Bank Fund