United Way Regina has partnered with a number of communities across Southern Saskatchewan, including Moose Jaw, to launch a new fund to rally support for the most vulnerable within our city.

The Community Response Fund started up over the past weekend, and is powered completely by donations,

Here's Community Advancement Coordinator for United Way Regina covering South Saskatchewan, Stacey Schwartz.

"We work directly with local partners, the City of Moose Jaw, as well as with the Moose Jaw COVID Community Response Committee. When individuals donate that donation will come back toward Moose Jaw's Community Response Fund, which is designated specifically for local community agencies that are providing services to the most vulnerable in the community."

The funds will be going toward agencies that provide such services as basic needs, help for seniors, mental health support, capacity for community services, and support for volunteers.

As mentioned, the Community Response Fund relies completely on donations from the community and they hope to start accepting applications in the near future.

"We haven't started the application process yet, right now we're trying to gain traction with building the funds to make sure we have donations available for those when they do apply. Anyone can donate now. We're hoping within a week or so we will have the application process in place and be working with local partners to help us make sure we're deploying the funds where they need to go."

100% of donations will be going toward local organizations, and you can donate by visiting UnitedWayRegina.ca/COVID-19.

Fund allocation from United Way is flexible and will adapt to whatever the current trend or immediate need is at the time.

"The City of Moose Jaw congratulates United Way for launching this initiative and we’re pleased to offer our support," said Mayor Fraser Tolmie via a press release, "We ask Moose Javians to remember that all money raised in Moose Jaw for the Community Response Fund will stay in Moose Jaw, helping those most in need during this difficult time. This initiative will streamline funds to those non-profit organizations that are delivering vital services to our residents amidst this pandemic."