WELLINGTON COUNTY – The Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington (CRC) is launching its first online fundraising campaign and hopes to raise $30,000 between April 9 and 25, the length of the campaign.
Executive director Ron MacKinnon said in an interview on March 26 the funds will help with the little extras the agency provides.
Not that the needs are small.
The CRC has a $2 million budget and its main funding comes from Wellington County, the United Way of Guelph and Wellington, and the province.
With this funding it operates EarlyOn resource centres for families throughout the county as well as childcare centres.
The agency is also the place to go for help when you don’t know where to turn.
Through its outreach program, if it doesn’t provide a service directly, the CRC can refer people to the agency or organization that can help.
But as well as hooking people up with resources, the CRC also gives grocery store gift cards and pre-paid cellphone cards to help its clients get back on their feet.
It operates a “rent and utility bank” which can help someone pay past-due bills so their hydro is not cut off, or cover rent for a few months so they can retain their housing.
It fills backpacks with school supplies for children and can help people with their income tax.
Chilifest, The Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington’s main fundraiser, has been cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, the organization is hosting a virtual fundraiser from April 9 to 25. Advertiser file photo
Filing income tax can help people eligible for social assistance to collect it, and MacKinnon said through the CRC income tax program, “$600,000 goes back in the pockets of our clients.
“We help them settle their basic needs, then they can look ahead to getting on with life,” he said.
“We hope people will invest so we can continue this good work.”
It’s no secret that the pandemic has adversely impacted people who have already been living with job, housing and food insecurity.
MacKinnon said the agency has been busy since the outbreak began a year ago, and has had to adapt to the new reality like everyone else.
EarlyOn programs went virtual, childcare staff was laid off as centres closed, and outreach has been by phone.
And for the second year the CRC has had to cancel ChiliFest, its biggest fundraiser.
So, there are several ways to donate to this campaign.
After April 9, there will be a donate button on the agency website, www.communityresourcecentre.org.
Donations can also be made by texting 41010.
People can make one-time gifts or sign up for a monthly payment program.
The CRC is also running a 50/50 draw, aiming for a minimum prize of $5,000. Details about the draw will also be posted on the website.
As well, anyone can call MacKinnon at 519-830-0060 if they have questions or wish to write a cheque instead of donating online.
“We hope by providing multiple ways to donate, people will find a way that suits them,” he said.
For more information, visit www.communityresourcecentre.org.
