By Pepper Parr
July 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
One of the toughest periods in the history of the city came to a close last week when the Disaster Relief Committee that was run by the Burlington Community Foundation closed it books after distributing $2.7 million to 272 families in the city who suffered significant damage from the August 4th flood.
Claimants can expect final financial assistance payment to be delivered in the next few weeks.
It was a flood of epic proportions that hit both the commercial sector as well as thousands of homes,
“The entire flood relief experience has demonstrated what a strong, giving and resilient city Burlington is,” said Ron Foxcroft, Chair, BCF Flood Disaster Relief Committee (DRC) and the guy that was behind the drive to raise just shy of $1 million from the community. The provincial government, through its ODRAP (Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program) matched every dollar the citizens raised on a 2 for 1 basis.
After 10 months of dedicated work the DRC has officially completed its mandate. During that time the Committee reviewed, assessed and processed 310 claims and spent numerous hours providing support and guidance to flood victims.
The Bank of Montreal opened their vault and found $20,000 they could donate to the flood disaster.
Flood victims continue to share their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all those who helped in the flood relief efforts. One resident sent the following to the Foundation: “On behalf of my family, I would like to thank the Burlington Community Foundation Flood Disaster Relief Committee. We will now be able repair our home’s flood damage and once again enjoy it with our children and grandchildren as we have done since 1973. ‘Thank You’ again, and please know that we are incredibly grateful.”
Ron Foxcroft – doing his pitch for disaster relief donations – he pulled in just shy of a million.
“Whenever we experience a severe rain storm in this city many of us will think back to August 4th and the devastating weather that changed the lives of many,” said Colleen Mulholland, President and CEO, Burlington Community Foundation. “We hope to also remember the goodness that prevailed in this city. It has been a remarkable experience working with so many devoted Burlingtonians throughout this process.”
The Community Foundation got pulled into the administration of the fundraising because the province required an arm’s length group to raise finds publicly and administer the program.
This wasn’t what the Community Foundation was formed to do – but they put their shoulders to the wheel and made it happen.
