United Way is trying to mobilize local love in a global crisis to help community support programs continue through the COVID-19 pandemic.

They have created the COVID-19 Community Response Fund that, as funds become available, will invest in basic needs to make sure people have food, mental health support and capacity for community services.

Amanda Lanoway, the Engagement Director at United Way Regina, says the fund doesn’t have a goal in mind, they are just hoping that people give what they can during this health crisis.

“We’re asking the community to respond if they can, give what they feel they can at this time” said Lanoway. “Once funds become available, we will direct them as quickly as possible to the front lines here in Regina.”

Lanoway adds that if you can’t help monetarily, you can help out by volunteering.

“The non-profits are right on the front lines getting the work done,” said Lanoway. “United Way can fill that (volunteer) gap and try and coordinate some of those volunteer services, which we’re looking to do now.”

Lanoway mentioned that one thing, in particular, that they will need volunteers for, is the newly rolled out city school lunch program.

The City of Regina announced last week that they would be making and handing out 1,000 school lunches daily to fill needs left by the closure of schools.

The creation of this program was welcome news to United Way, says Lanoway.

“The campaign is calling on people to show their local love in a global crisis and we’re seeing that on a daily basis, which is just fantastic,” said Lanoway. “The City is taking a lead on the community service provider network and providing things in kind.”

More information can be found at www.unitedwayregina.ca/Covid-19