GOOD SAMARITANS HELP RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES IN NEED

SIMCOE-MUSKOKA — Good Samaritans are travelling every street and back road in Muskoka.

Whether it’s food or financial assistance, grocery shopping or pick-up and delivery or home-made masks, there’s no shortage of help from public and NGOs for those in need.

If you’re in need somebody will help you.

Or those who fall through the cracks, thanks to the local United Way (see below).

In an inspiring outpouring of support for fellow residents and businesses, a number of initiatives continue to emerge as COVID-19 continues.

The Town of Gravenhurst is partnering with other municipalities in Muskoka to secure bulk PPE supplies to assist with the re-opening of business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a release this week, it says “until the province and the Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit gives us clear direction on the required safeguards needed to re-open storefronts, we are just speculating on supplies, but feel that businesses may need.”

That includes:

  • Protection screens at tills
  • Signage
  • Distance separation markings
  • Face masks
  • Gloves
  • Stanchions for crowd control
  • Disinfectant
  • Other?

Contact your town if you or your business can help or are in need of help.

UNITED WAY EXPANDS URGENT NEEDS FUND

In addition, the United Way Simcoe Muskoka has launched the second phase of its Urgent Needs Fund, an initiative that was successfully piloted from last October to April.

They say in their release today, Tuesday May 5, that in light of the pandemic, the Urgent Needs Fund is being expanded to help more Simcoe Muskoka residents whether that be due to the current pandemic or any other life circumstances.”

“United Way Simcoe Muskoka has been here for the most vulnerable in our communities for more than 60 years,” says Dale Biddell, their CEO.

This means that the Urgent Needs Fund is available to assist those in our communities living in low-income households and those affected by the novel coronavirus.

They offer prompt, one-time grants when existing services and resources are unable to meet the basic or emergency needs of an individual.

They have partnered with six Regional Agency Leads to help distribute funds to recipients: CONTACT Community Services, Independent Living Services of Simcoe County & Area, Catholic Family Services Simcoe County, Chigamik Community Health Centre, South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre and the District of Muskoka.

Community Connection 211 Central East is handling the intake, assessment and client impact, as well as the data collection to help better understand local needs.

“The Urgent Needs Fund has already assisted hundreds of residents across our region to cover basic needs at a time when they need it most,” says Rosslyn Junke, UWSM director of Community Impact.

To apply for assistance, individuals living in Simcoe County are encouraged to contact 211 Ontario (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca) and those who live in Muskoka are encouraged to contact the District of Muskoka (705-645-2412 or visit https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/district-government/covid-19-help.aspx).

If existing services are unable to provide assistance, an individual may then be eligible for the Urgent Needs Fund.

The United Way of Simcoe Muskoka offers help for even those fall through the regular help cracks with its Urgent Needs Fund.