NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF INNISFIL
*************************
Recognizing the impact that COVID-19 is having on the community, the Town of Innisfil’s Mayor, Council and Chief Administrative Officer are donating 10 per cent of their monthly salaries to a new fund that will provide monthly micro-grants to individuals or groups who have been negatively affected by the pandemic.
Innisfil Council unanimously voted to create “Innisfil Helping Hands” at last night’s meeting. More details about this exciting program will be made available in the coming days.
“So many people in our community have told us their heartbreaking stories about losing their jobs, their way of life, and so much more because of this pandemic,” said Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin. “Although the salary donations are not large amounts of money, it really mattered to each of us that we dig into our own pockets and provide some relief in a way that isn’t complicated or cumbersome – but just like a neighbour offering a helping hand.”
The Innisfil Helping Hands program will provide small (e.g. $50), direct, real-time assistance to groups and individuals who find themselves struggling with urgent needs—many of whom are waiting for assistance from other levels of government to roll out.
“Whether you’re a single mom finding it hard to pay for diapers or a senior in need of help to cover some medication costs – we want to help you,” said Dollin.
The micro-grants will be disbursed by a subcommittee of Council who will review requests from individuals and groups, starting the first week of May and are committed to getting financial support out the door and into the hands of residents in need as quickly as possible The subcommittee will meet monthly. Council will consider the length of the program after the second month.
“While we understand that there may be more requests than there is funding, we know we have to act now and in a way that only a tight knit community can,” said CAO Jason Reynar.
Interested residents are encouraged to follow www.innisfil.ca/helpinghands and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as more details will soon be available, including instructions for how to make a request.
*************************
