CANMORE – With the uncertainty surrounding an end to COVID-19 mounting, a local charity is trying to think ahead.
Canmore Rotary Club Charitable Foundation has officially launched fundraising efforts aimed to provide a little bit of relief for the community during the new coronavirus pandemic.
“During this unprecedented health emergency, we know that our community is struggling and we’re in a position to make a difference,” said Donna Potter, chair of the Canmore Rotary Club.
“We know this isn’t going to be over anytime soon, so we need to think of today, now, what we can do and also be thinking forward as to ... what we can do in the future.”
Though the club is still in talks about how the money will be used, it is hoping to provide the community with a little bit of relief through donations to the Rotary COVID-19 Relief Fund.
“We can accept donations, we know that we need to make some assessments in order to determine exactly where those funds should be directed, so we’re in the process of doing that right now and then making some decisions,” said Potter.
The Rotary club, Potter said, has been successful with these types of fundraisers before.
“Historically we’ve been very successful at this type of initiative, for instance the [2013] flood, which was very successful raising $880,000,” said Potter.
The community group also raised significant funds for Fort McMurray fire relief – $85,000 – and more recently $75,000 for the Bow Valley Syrian Refugee Project. In total, the charitable foundation has financially supported community programs and projects to the tune of $1.5 million over the years.
Potter said donations can be made through www.rotaryclubofcanmore.com or by cheque to Canmore Rotary Club Charitable Foundation. She said tax receipts will be issued for donations of $25 or more when the mailing address is provided.
