Submitted by Noreen Steinacher
First of all, The Meeting Place (TMP) in Tobermory is doing pretty well through the COVID-19 and continues to provide essential services like phone and virtual social supports, food bank, and Canada Volunteer Income Tax program for low income earners. TMP has maintained a strong social media presence and we thank some pretty special donors like the Tobermory Song Writers and Marty Oblak for their support. Thanks also to Jennifer Cuffe, Community Coordinator at TMP, Jace Weir and all the volunteers from the Food Bank and The Meeting Place. Call or e-mail Jennifer at 519-596-2313 or meetingplace@amtelecom.net for further information about services still provided.
Secondly, we have seen the headlines with a message of support for the individual and family, from all levels of government. March 16th – “No Canadian should have to worry about whether they can pay their rent or buy groceries during this difficult time.” March 23rd – “The Ontario government is providing $200 million in social services relief funding to help protect the health and safety of the province’s most vulnerable people in response to the outbreak of COVID-19.” And these financial supports are so important in the short term for all.
Thirdly, we are starting to hear about the negative impact of COVID-19 on the non-profit sector representing organizations like The Meeting Place. Ontario Non-Profit Network or ONN’s new report released on April 6, 2020 reveals that, “Ontario’s 58,000 nonprofits and charities across the province are facing a triple threat as a result of COVID-19. Organizations are abruptly losing revenue from the cancellation of fundraising events and a steep drop-off of donations, while they grapple with the closure of offices and cancellation of programs and services due to pandemic restrictions, and face unprecedented human resource challenges with paid staff and volunteers.” We are thankful to the ONN for their voice.
ONN is calling for governments to provide stabilization funding for the non-profit sector. The federal government listened and on April 23rd – “Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced $350 million for community groups and national charities such as the United Way and Red Cross”. This is good news for the non-profit sector, in and among all the needs being identified and responses across the county. Beyond the immediate, we at TMP are thinking about recovery too and hope our work during this crisis means we are visible and relevant.
