City creates Calgary Community Response Fund to support social services

The City of Calgary has announced a new way that Calgarians can help out their community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi announced at a press conference on Thursday that the city, in partnership with Alberta Health Services and United Way of Calgary and Area, has created a local COVID-19 Community Response Fund.

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The fund will support social service agencies throughout the city and make it easier for Calgarians to contribute to the communal well-being of the people who live here.

Donations gathered will be distributed “based on established decision-making criteria that has been developed in partnership with The City of Calgary (including the Calgary Emergency Management Agency), and United Way of Calgary and Area,” the fund’s website states. 

Anyone can donate, and a tax receipt will be sent to anyone who does.

The COVID-19 Community Response Fund’s website is currently active and accepting donations as of March 19. It also includes vital information on staying safe and healthy during the pandemic.

The City of Calgary update also noted that the 2020 Census has been postponed until later this year or possibly next year and that the Fair Entry site at the Municipal Building, as well as the Planning and Development service counter, has been closed.

Waste and recycling services have also seen a change as of the most recent update, with green carts continuing to remain collected on a bi-weekly basis rather than switching to weekly in April. Blue carts will be collected every week, and black carts every other week, in an effort to reduce drivers’ contact with other people and surfaces.

The City’s no-cost spay/neuter program has also been suspended.

With coronavirus on the rise, Health Canada is reminding individuals who attend events and large gatherings to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. And if you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. Also, due to unexpected cancellations, please check the event you plan to attend is still taking place. Keep up with COVID-19 news here.