SUDBURY - Community service organizations are at the forefront of addressing community needs. During the pandemic, many of these vital organizations struggled with increased demand for their services, reduced revenues, declines in charitable giving and a greater reliance on digital and remote tools.

Today, Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, announced a total investment of $107, 576 through the Community Services Recovery Fund for three Sudbury organizations:

• Blue Door Soup Kitchen - $26,880

• Canadian Mental Health Association Sudbury/Manitoulin - $66,920

• Bizzzy Bea’s - $13,776

The Community Services Recovery Fund enables community service organizations to adapt, modernize and be better equipped to improve the efficacy, accessibility, and sustainability of the critical community services that they provide.

“Each of these organizations plays a crucial role in delivering meaningful resources to our community, especially during times of need and uncertainty. I want to commend these organizations for providing exceptional support for our community during some of the most challenging periods,” said Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament Sudbury. “I have spent the past few days with the Blue Door Soup Kitchen, CMHA, and Bizzzy Bea’s, and I have seen first-hand the need for their support within our community.”

The demand for these organization grew substantially during and post-pandemic. Having the capacity to grow and continue to deliver these supports is imperative to the sustainability of our community.

Quotes

“We are fortunate to have so many caring community organizations in Greater Sudbury that provide services and assistance to residents in their time of need. Whether their goal is providing trauma-informed mental health care and addictions services, ensuring that everyone has a warm meal, or extending kindness to neighbours, today’s funding helps these organizations connect with and empower vulnerable populations.” – Paul Lefebvre, Mayor of the City of Greater Sudbury

“We are extremely grateful to receive this grant to further enhance staff provision of trauma-informed care, supports for individuals challenged by substance use, and approaches that reflect foundational concepts in equity and inclusion.  One in four people have sought help for their mental health challenges during the pandemic, particularly with rates of stress, anxiety, and depression. This funding will provide staff of Canadian Mental Health Association – Sudbury/ Manitoulin the additional supports needed to provide safe and accessible mental health and substance use disorder services to our community.”- Patty MacDonald, CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association – Sudbury/ Manitoulin

“We are grateful to receive assistance from the Community Services Recovery Fund. COVID was especially difficult for marginalized people and the service agencies that support them. We intend to use our allotment to raise awareness of our services, strengthen our community partnerships, and stabilize access to necessary resources. We will improve our services to better withstand future fluctuations in the economy and the environment.” – Susan Boyko, Board Member Blue Door Soup Kitchen

“It is with pride, Bizzzy Bea's receives this funding. This investment will allow us to move forward in hiring a legal advisor who will be working alongside our board of directors to further our governing system, and ultimately advance our goal of expanding in our community."  -Chantelle Dupuis, President and Founder, Bizzzy Bea’s