Powell River Health-Care Auxiliary has once again donated $10,000 to the Danielle’s Helping Hand Fund program at Powell River and District United Way.
In a media release, Julie Jenkins, director of engagement and development at United Way, thanked the health-care auxiliary for its continued support. She said the funds will help low-income individuals and families throughout the region.
Jenkins stated that Danielle’s Helping Hand Fund provides emergency financial assistance for people in need in qathet Regional District.
She added that a majority of applications to the fund are health related, commonly for dentures and dental costs, as well as medical equipment, eyeglasses and accommodations for medical-related travel.
“For people on a fixed income, including many seniors and families, an unexpected expense can become a crisis very quickly,” stated Jenkins. “Danielle’s Helping Hand Fund is a unique program in our local community. It’s there to help when all other options have been exhausted.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, United Way has seen an uptick in applications to the fund, stated Jenkins.
“Since fall 2020 alone, we’ve supported 35 households in qathet, totalling more than $30,000,” she added.
Jenkins stated that Danielle’s Helping Hand Fund is a volunteer-run program at United Way and all donations to the fund go directly to people and families in need.
United Way relies on community support, such as the health-care auxiliary’s annual donation, to make the program possible.
Low-income community members facing an emergency expense can visit the poverty law advocacy office to fill out an application, stated Jenkins. People can learn more on United Way’s website at unitedwayofpowellriver.ca.
