United Way NWT has managed to put together a $25,000 donation to help the people of Hay River.
The decision was made on the morning of May 15th by their Board for United Way NWT to donate $20,000 to the evacuees of Hay River, providing them with food and grocery gift cards. While waiting on donations from the public to come in, United Way was also able to work with Northern Mosaic Network to purchase $15,000 worth of Co-op gift cards that were dropped off at the evacuation centre in Yellowknife on Monday.
The organization has also approved a contribution of $5,000 for Deh Gáh Got’ı̨ę First Nation to cover costs associated with food for evacuees in Fort Providence. Additional micro-grants to other organizations are in the process of being distributed.
On Tuesday, United Way’s Emergency Response Committee gave the thumbs up for the first two $2,500 micro-grants. The first was given out to the Yellowknife Dene First Nations to assist with the cost of gas and other essentials to members of the community who live in the South Slave region.
The second grant has been approved to HomeBase YK to assist evacuated youth affected by the fires. United Way expedited these rapid micro-grant requests in less than six business hours.
In a statement, David Connelly, the Chair of the United Way NWT’s Emergency Response Committee said “The United Way NWT Board jumped into action and fronted funds because we knew that people across the territory are generous in supporting each other in times of need. We have an initial goal of raising $100,000 and are confident that we’ll continue seeing donations come in that we can disburse to organizations and groups supporting the evacuees.”
For those who wish to further help the people of Hay River, donations can be sent in to United Way by clicking here.
