By Staff
September 18, 204
BURLINGTON, ON.
As of 8:00 a.m. today, the Burlington Community Foundation Flood Disaster Relief Committee has raised a total of $590,000 in cash and in-kind support.
“We are thankful that many citizens and businesses have stepped up to support our community flood relief efforts, however we still have a long way to go,” says Ron Foxcroft, Chair, BCF Flood Disaster Relief Committee. “The need for financial relief is imminent and we are still asking neighbours, families, friends and businesses to give generously so we can help those who are still suffering.”
Over the last week the BCF Flood Disaster Relief Committee received generous donations of $25,000 each from Branthaven Homes and Union Gas. There has also been a lot of work in the community with a variety of retailers accepting cash donations. A Flood Relief Donations Centre was opened by a concerned citizen at 728 Burloak Drive. In addition, the BCF website is now accepting on-line donations.
As of September 15th the BCF Flood Disaster Relief Committee has received five Advance Funding for Emergency Additional Living Expenses claim applications. Two have been granted and three claims were denied as the expenses claimed were not related to emergency living expenses. The Committee has contacted each applicant to explain the rationale and encourage them to include appropriate expenses in the broader Assistance for Losses and Damages application later this month.
“We are pleased to begin sharing the funds raised in this community with flood victims,” says Colleen Mulholland, President of the Burlington Community Foundation. “We would also like to remind those affected that the deadline for Advance Funding for Emergency Additional Living Expenses claims is October 4th.”
Applicants are asked to complete an Advance Funds Claims Package that includes filling out a form, attaching receipts, and providing all requested information. The package must be submitted to the BCF Flood Disaster Relief Committee at Burlington Community Foundation, 3380 South Service Road, Unit 107, Burlington, Ontario, L7N 3J5 by October 4, 2014.
The form can be found at the BCF website or residents can call 905 639 0744 ext.223 to arrange for an Advance Claims Package to be mailed, picked up or delivered. The Committee is committed to assisting people in completing the form to expedite the claims process if that is requested.
Advance funding of up to $1,000 will be made available to victims who have no insurance coverage for emergency additional living expenses. Eligible costs are: evacuation costs, accommodation and meals, and essential clothing.
The next phase of the claims and disbursement process is The Assistance for Losses and Damages funding. It is designed to assist victims in greatest need with more extensive losses and damages, and who were either uninsured or under insured for their building and/or contents. Homeowners and tenants, small businesses, non-profit organizations and farms can apply. Applicants will be required to fill out a more complete form that will be made available at the BCF website by September 30th. At that time, more information outlining what expenses are eligible will also be provided.
Funds granted to those in need must comply with a very strict procedure – the Burlington community Foundation has recruited former city manager Tim Dobbie to review each claim and ensure it meets the provincial criteria. The BCF doesn’t set that criteria – they are told what they must do – and they do it.
Donors are encouraged to continue supporting the campaign by:
Cheque – make cheques out to “Burlington Community Foundation” with a memo reference to Flood Relief Campaign – mail or drop off at Burlington Community Foundation, 3380 South Service Road, Unit 107, Burlington, Ontario, L7N 3J5
On-line donations – Click on the DONATE NOW button at BCF web site. www.burlingtonfoundation.org
