Since the first reported case of COVID-19 in B.C. on January 28th, many aspects of our daily lives have been impacted, from our ability to see our friends and loved ones, to how we buy our groceries.
Humans – for the most part – have shown themselves to be adaptive and routines have emerged under this new normal: walks at lunch, co-parenting around work, a new hobby, etc. While the effects this had on us all individually are not to be dismissed or made to seem any less important, this virus has harmed some Canadians to a greater degree than others.
The Daily Bread Food Bank, Canada’s largest group of food banks, has reported a 20% increase in the need for it to run its services due to COVID-19, while it struggles with a dramatic shift in operations to get food to those in need. The mental health of our youth has become a major concern – Kids Help Phone has seen an increase in calls of about 350% since the virus started. Vulnerable Canadians need help more than ever and many philanthropic organizations are in desperate need of donors so that they can continue their relief efforts.
At Danielson Group Wealth Management, we remain committed to having an impact in the community around us. Our philanthropic efforts have historically been focused on making a positive difference in the lives of children and youth through contributions towards their literacy, health and social welfare.
In keeping with that theme, we will be partnering with KidSafe to match gifts up to $12,000 starting next week! Please stay tuned for more details.
KidSafe is a Vancouver-based charity that provides access to safe living conditions, nutrition, and educational programming to over 475 vulnerable kids each year.
If you feel that starting or increasing your charitable giving during this time is something you are interested in, but you have questions about how to maximize your impact, we are here to help. As part of our role as your financial advisor, we can aid you and your family in the development of framework for how best to support the organizations that reflect your core values. This can be a temporary initiative to help during this time, or form part of a larger plan that is aligned with the legacy you wish to leave. Whatever the case, this is an area we are deeply passionate about and would love to have a conversation about what it means to you.
For those wishing to do their own research, here are some resources on charities in BC and those in Canada on the frontlines of the COVID-19 relief effort:
Canada Helps – Explore BC Charities
Maclean’s – Where to Donate and How to Help Canada’s Most Vulnerable
