The Canadian Red Cross is encouraging businesses affected by last year’s wildfires to take advantage of available funding before April 6, the last day to submit applications for the second phase of the Red Cross’s funding program.
Phase One ended last year, but Michael Templeton, manager of the Red Cross’s Kamloops Operations Centre, says that businesses and not-for-profits that did not apply for, or receive, Phase One funding can still apply for it at the same time they apply for Phase Two.
The two programs provide up to $10,000 for not-for-profit organizations and $20,000 for businesses that suffered economically during last summer’s fires.
The recovery programs are being run by Marsh Canada, and Templeton says that representatives will be doing outreach in area communities this month, so that businesses and not-for-profits can get one-on-one assistance in applying. They will be in Clinton on Wednesday, March 7 at the Clinton Memorial Hall from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; in Ashcroft on Thursday, March 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Friday, March 9 from 9 a.m. to noon (at the Community Futures Sun Country office); and in Lytton on Thursday, March 8 at the Village of Lytton office from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Templeton adds that anyone who cannot make it to the face-to-face sessions can call 1-855-999-3345, where someone from Marsh Canada will be able to talk them through filling out the application form.
He says that the Red Cross has heard from some people that the Phase Two application is “too complicated”, and it’s hoped that the face-to-face community sessions will help address that. Templeton says they have also heard that some businesses think thay are not eligible for funding, and encourages them to apply.
“We can determine if you’re eligible. Don’t self-exclude. Fill out the application, and let Marsh Canada make that determination.
“And don’t worry that you’ll be taking away from others,” he adds. “There’s a good source of funding support for the programs. If you’re eligible, and you need the funding, please apply.”
He notes that there is a small business/not-for-profit support page at www.redcross.ca, showing what programs are available. And he adds that the Red Cross is still providing support for self-recovery for individuals and families affected by the fires.
“We do have a regular line for individuals and families to call if they need support, and we can point to other sources of help for them if needed. We encourage them to contact and follow up with us.”
The number to call is 1-800-863-6582, Mondays to Fridays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT.
editorial@accjournal.ca
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