Non-profits struggle to provide support through COVID-19 limitations

By Charlene Papasodaro

The Haldimand Press

HALDIMAND—Ontario has 58,000 non-profits and charities across the province that exist to serve and support Ontario communities – and many of these organizations, if not all, are facing many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ontario Non-profit Network (ONN) released their findings from a provincial survey stating almost 75% of non-profits have seen a loss of revenue from fundraising. About 20% of respondents have closed their doors at least temporarily due to the pandemic and the ones that remain open are struggling to work with minimal staff and volunteers. These challenges amount to disruptions to the services and supports that these organizations offer their communities.

“Every part of our sector is affected,” said Cathy Taylor, Executive Director, ONN. However, while many are facing challenges in offering their continued services, non-profits continue to be resilient.

Haldimand and Norfolk continue to see this resiliency in local non-profits and charities. Food banks are considered essential services, and across the two counties various food banks have implemented changes to be able to serve people as safely as possible. At the Caledonia and District Food Bank for instance, food boxes are prepared in advance for small or large families and perishable foods, when available, are added based on family size. Clients come to the door, which is blocked, to give their name and amount of people in their homes and then their box is picked up at a different door. The minimal number of staff/volunteers working wear gloves and masks with clients.