GWAII TRUST RESPONDS TO COVID-19 Covid-19 Emergency Response Grant Within weeks of the 2020 Covid-19 variant being declared a pandemic, the Board of Directors struck an emergency committee to discuss a response. The Covid-19 Emergency Response Grant was developed and made available to the public by the end of March 2020 to provide short-term financial assistance to organizations providing direct response and support to the residents and communities of Haida Gwaii. Between April and December, a total of 42 applications were approved, providing over $835,000 in grants.
Haida Gwaii Staycation Grant In July the Board of Directors launched the Staycation Grant, providing 178 grants to help residents of Haida Gwaii explore onisland adventure opportunities, and to provide support for local tourism businesses.
Community Foundations of Canada - Emergency Community Support Fund In partnership with Community Foundations of Canada and the Government of Canada, $110,000 from the Emergency Community Support Fund went to applicants working with vulnerable populations.
Vancouver Foundation - Capacity Grant The Gwaii Trust received a $30,000 Vancouver Foundation Capacity Grant. This grant supplemented the Old Massett Village Council’s Covid-19 Emergency Response Grant providing 5lbs of halibut to all households on the islands.
Clockwise from top left. Masset Soup Kitchen: 30-35 meals were served per week at the Masset Soup Kitchen. Food to School: Emmy O’Gorman supported youth managing school gardens all summer. Sandspit meals on wheels: Pat, a volunteer and Armand (chef owner of Cedar & Salt, one of the supplying restaurants in the program.) OMVC Halibut project: Ada Swanson loading bags for the community.
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