$141,700 Government Grant Helps Community Rebuild from the Impacts of COVID-19 through Empower the North
On Friday, February 16, 2024, MPP Kevin Holland formally congratulated the team at the Lakehead Social Planning Council (LSPC) on the work it’s been doing since receiving a $141,700 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The two-year long grant was awarded last March and on Friday, MPP Holland had an opportunity to meet with both the Lakehead Social Planning Council, as well as other local organizations involved with the Empower the North initiative, including the United Way of Thunder Bay, the City of Thunder Bay, the Thunder Bay Public Library, and Thunder Bay Community Foundation.
This grant aims to unite a network of community organizations, agencies, and service providers to aid Thunder Bay’s recovery efforts. MPP Holland expressed optimism, stating, “Together we are leveraging this support to pave the way for a brighter, more resilient future for our community, especially for the vulnerable residents who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.”
Mayor Ken Boshcoff emphasized the critical role of collaborative endeavors such as Empower the North in Thunder Bay’s recovery from the challenges posed by COVID-19. He stressed the importance of innovative solutions and community-driven initiatives in tackling issues related to the city’s economic prosperity, community safety, and overall well-being. Mayor Boshcoff reaffirmed his dedication to supporting initiatives that unite diverse stakeholders, emphasizing their collective ability to effect positive change and shape the future of Thunder Bay.
Marie Klassen, Executive Director at the Lakehead Social Planning Council, stressed the funding’s significance in assessing the pandemic’s impact stating, “We are grateful for the funding as it offers an opportunity to report on the impact of the pandemic on all community sectors in Thunder Bay, including their services, staff, volunteers, and clients. The data will show service pressures and imminent changes to methods of delivery. The collaborative’s objective is to collectively develop a framework that will help shape recovery and particularly on behalf of those who were disproportionately affected by the pandemic.”
Looking ahead, Thunder Bay prepares to host “BETTER is Possible,” a two-day social innovation design workshop on May 6 & 7, 2024, at the Victoria Inn. This event offers a platform for leaders from nonprofit, business, and government sectors to forge groundbreaking solutions to pressing issues of economic prosperity, community safety, and well-being.
Presented by Empower the North, this community recovery lab offers a unique opportunity for individuals and groups to play an active role in shaping Thunder Bay’s future. A Funders Round Table and assistance in securing funding will be available, further supporting innovative solutions to address the city’s challenges.
