Multiple Burlington organizations, including churches, charities and the Royal Botanical Gardens, receive federal funding

Twenty-one well-known Burlington-based organizations recently received funding for their programs from the federal government. 

Recently, Burlington MPP Karina Gould appeared on behalf of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds, to announce that several local groups are receiving money from the Community Services Recovery Fund, a fund designed to help community organizations “adapt, modernize and be better equipped to improve the efficacy, accessibility and sustainability of the community services that they provide.”

The fund, established to help charities and other community organizations recover from pandemic-related losses, has given $1,728,234 to Burlington groups. 

Some groups that received funding include Royal Botanical Gardens ($100,000), Food4Kids Halton ($51,242), West Plains United Church ($47,771), Halton Islamic Association ($85,000), Burlington Food Bank ($92,500), The Halton Region Conservation Authority ($100,000) and the Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton ($55,652).

Other recipients include Thrive Counselling Services Halton Inc., Certified Listeners Society, Prime Earth Education, EFRY Hope and Help for Women, The Central Canadian District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada, BurlingtonGreen Environmental Association, Centre for Diverse Learners, Date To Be Youth Charity, Fasttrack – Community Centre for Skills, Development and Training, Food for Life Canada Charitable Corp., Wellington Square United Church, Restorations Second Stage Homes and Shifra Homes Inc.

“Congratulations to the 21 community organizations who are receiving over $1 million in support from the federal government,” Gould said in a statement. 

“As the local member of parliament, I see firsthand how these organizations are improving the lives of people in our community every day. I am so proud that the federal government is providing this assistance to ensure these organizations can modernize their systems to ensure the best support is provided to folks in Burlington now and into the future.”

The Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada, and United Way Centraide Canada managed the application process for this fund. 

“Meeting the community’s vital needs is central to our mission at United Way Halton &  Hamilton. While emergency funding is crucial, sustained, stable support for our local social services is paramount,” said Brad Park, president and CEO, United Way Halton & Hamilton, in a statement.

“We have strategically been investing $494,362 through the CSRF to maximize the impact on our community. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient community.” 

The Community Services Recovery Fund was announced in Budget 2021 as a one-time, $400 million investment to help community service organizations adapt and recover following the pandemic.