Since the launch of the Rapid Relief Fund on Saturday, March 21, more than $5 million dollars has been raised to support local charities working on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The call for donations continues, and the media has been helping to spread the message. Below are a number of stories we’ve seen about this incredible outpouring of support during these trying times. Thank you to our media partners at the Times Colonist, CHEK TV and Black Press!
Online Jazz Relief concert set for Friday – Times Colonist, May 14
Investing in disinfecting gear pays off; company contributing to Rapid Relief Fund – Times Colonist, May 13
Dave Obee: Giving credit where it’s due for Rapid Relief Fund’s success – Times Colonist, May 13
CHEK Upside: Rapid Relief Fund helps farms and local food security – CHEK News, May 12
COVID-19 Homeless Tenting Site Planned in Chemainus – My Cowichan Valley Now, May 12
Donations help United Way support neighbourhoods – Times Colonist, May 12
Rapid Relief Fund helps small farms, food-share program – Times Colonist, May 12
Fuller Lake Arena parking lot to be set up as temporary homeless tent site beginning Tuesday, May 19 – Cowichan Valley Citizen, May 11
Dave Obee: Nearly $6M raised, Rapid Relief Fund is wrapping up soon – Times Colonist, May 10
Correctional centre inmates make donation to Rapid Relief Fund – Times Colonist, May 9
Rapid Relief Fund helps vulnerable in Cowichan Valley – Times Colonist, May 8
From Nigel House, a special donation – Times Colonist, May 7
Greater Victoria businesses pivot to help community with funds, food – Saanich News, May 6
Rapid Relief Fund nears $5.6 million with boost from Vancity – Times Colonist, May 5
COVID-19 Cowichan homeless plan gets financial backing – Cowichan Valley Citizen, May 4
Giving back a matter of heart for Capital Iron owner – Times Colonist, May 3
Dave Obee: How your newspaper is adapting and delivering in difficult times – Times Colonist, May 2
Tonight’s Stay at Home Gala will support Rapid Relief Fund – Times Colonist, May 2
Funding Allocated to Find Temporary Shelter for Cowichan Homeless – My Cowichan Valley Now, May 1
‘Doing our part’: matching offer for Rapid Relief Fund – Times Colonist, May 1
Real-estate firm giving portion of agents’ fees to Rapid Relief Fund – Times Colonist, April 30
Rapid Relief Fund: Vancity offers $100,000 in matching challenge – Times Colonist, April 29
Why Victoria’s charitable sector must survive COVID-19 – Victoria News, April 27
Sandra Richardson: Donors the key in fund’s successful achievement – Times Colonist, April 27
Rapid Relief Fund earmarks grants for Cowichan Valley – Times Colonist, April 27
Dave Obee: Why do people give? You might be inspired – Times Colonist, April 26
Heart flags stir wave of support for Rapid Relief Fund – Times Colonist, April 24
Rapid Relief Fund donor gives thanks for life’s kindnesses – Times Colonist, April 23
Thrifty Foods pledging $100,000 to rapid relief fund – CFAX, April 22
Community raises more than $5M for Victoria Rapid Relief Fund – CTV News, April 22
Seeing first-hand impact of donations; Rapid Relief Fund passes $5M – Times Colonist, April 22
Rapid Relief Fund delivers $1 million to community groups – Times Colonist, April 21
Colin Plant: Thanks for making a difference – Times Colonist, April 21
Greater Victoria businesses rally for Rapid Relief Fund – Victoria News, April 20
Thrifty Foods to match Rapid Relief Fund donations up to $100,000 – CHEK News, April 19
Thrifty Foods pledges to match Rapid Relief Fund donations up to $100,000 – Times Colonist, April 19
Dave Obee: If we can, here’s why we donate – Times Colonist, April 19
Rock for Relief: A Living Room Concert raises more than $500,000 – CHEK News, April 18
VIDEO: Rock for Relief show: Fund rises by $5,000 a minute in matching challenge – Times Colonist, April 17
Takin’ care of people at Rock for Relief, 8 tonight on CHEK – Times Colonist, April 17
#COVID19 | Community foundations in action: Victoria Foundation – Community Foundations of Canada, April 17
April 17th Rock for Relief: A Living Room Fundraising Concert for Vancouver Island – Business Examiner, April 16
COVID-19: Sooke eliminates community grants program for 2020 – Victoria News, April 16
The art of kindness: Kids’ drawings part of connecting with residents of care homes – Times Colonist, April 16
Comment: Olympic rower on embracing crew mindset amid pandemic – Times Colonist, April 16
The Discovery Pod: Victoria Foundation with Sandra Richardson – The Discovery Pod, April 15
Rock for Relief on CHEK: Where are your dollars going? – CHEK News, April 15
Comment: Sooke Mayor Maja Tait on how Rapid Relief Fund has helped her town – Times Colonist, April 15
Intimate, livestreamed concert from Island superstars raising money for Nanaimo Foundation – Nanaimo News Now, April 14
Aiming for $5M, Rapid Relief Fund boosts meal programs, shelters, child care – Times Colonist, April 14
Rock for Relief: Island talent raises funds in ‘Living Room’ concert on Friday – Times Colonist, April 14
Comment: VIATEC’S Dan Gunn on seeing silver linings – Times Colonist, April 14
‘We’re in’: The Tenors, Trevor Guthrie and many more ready to Rock for Relief – CHEK News, April 14
David Foster, Randy Bachman to headline stacked Vancouver Island charity concert on CHEK – CHEK News, April 13
Dave Obee: An Easter like no other – Times Colonist, April 12
Siblings’ project matches tutors with young students – Times Colonist, April 12
School district food program retools to fill growing need – Times Colonist, April 10
COVID-19: School-based lunch programs expand to feed thousands during crisis – Victoria News, April 9
Forgotten seniors thrown a lifeline, thanks to you – Times Colonist, April 9
Rapid Relief Fund update – CFAX, April 8
Victoria school district providing 10,000 meals per week to students – CTV News, April 8
Rapid Relief Fund: Women’s Transition House to see $100,000 relief as calls skyrocket – Times Colonist, April 8
Dave Obee: Where the Rapid Relief Fund donations are going – Times Colonist, April 7
Victoria Foundation’s Rapid Relief Fund helps local charities stay afloat amid pandemic – CHEK News, April 6
Monique Kieran: Virus casts a shadow of a new Great Depression – Times Colonist, April 5
Retired Vecima CEO donates $50,000 to Rapid Relief Fund on family’s behalf – Times Colonist, April 4
Dave Obee: A match made for our times – Times Colonist, April 3
Dave Obee: The needy and the newly needy – Times Colonist, April 2
Mayor David Screech: Generosity of community is inspiring and urgently needed – Times Colonist, April 1
27 ways for the financially fortunate to help out – The Globe and Mail, March 31
Dave Obee: Donate and double your ability to help others – Times Colonist, March 31
Community comes together to fund Rapid Relief – Black Press, March 30
As effect of pandemic grows, so does community need: Salt Spring organization – Times Colonist, March 30
Rapid Relief Fund reaches $100,000 match; $2.6 million in total – Times Colonist, March 29
Dave Obee: If you can afford it, please donate to the Rapid Relief Fund – Times Colonist, March 29
Dave Obee: YES! Fund hits $2 million in less than a week – Times Colonist, March 28
Rapid Relief Fund: Why they donated – Times Colonist, March 28
Nanaimo Foundation launches drive to help charities hit by COVID-19 – CHEK News, March 26
Dave Obee: Governments are acting, but there’s still plenty of need – Times Colonist, March 26
THANKFUL FOR GENEROUS RESPONSE TO COVID-19 – Cool Aid Society, March 25
Comment: Continue the beat of hope, donate today – Times Colonist, March 25
Greater Victoria raises $1M in 36 hours for those in need – Victoria News, March 25
Victoria Rapid Relief Fund donations continue to climb – Times Colonist, March 25
Dave Obee: We vow to keep going to help meet community’s needs – Times Colonist, March 25
Comment: Small contributions can lead to great impact – Times Colonist, March 24
Dave Obee: Generosity pours in, we’re passing it on just as quickly – Times Colonist, March 24
Rapid Relief Fund disbursement for first $1 million – Times Colonist, March 24
Community steps up to provide rapid relief; where $1M in donations will go – Times Colonist, March 24
Rapid relief for Victoria’s most vulnerable residents – CFAX, March 24
Rapid Relief Fund surpasses $1M, aiming for $2M and looking for new charities – CHEK News, March 23
CHEK Upside: Rapid Relief Fund surpasses $1M goal in support of greater Victoria charities – CHEK News – March 22
Donations to Rapid Relief Fund off to terrific start – Times Colonist, March 22
Rapid Relief Fund: Donations top $1M in day and a half – Times Colonist, March 22
Our biggest campaign yet: Help us raise $1 million in one week for those in need – Times Colonist, March 21
Rapid Relief Fund in the news
Posted on May 14, 2020
Since the launch of the Rapid Relief Fund on Saturday, March 21, more than $5 million dollars has been raised to support local charities working on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The call for donations continues, and the media has been helping to spread the message. Below are a number of stories we’ve seen about this incredible outpouring of support during these trying times. Thank you to our media partners at the Times Colonist, CHEK TV and Black Press!
Online Jazz Relief concert set for Friday – Times Colonist, May 14
Investing in disinfecting gear pays off; company contributing to Rapid Relief Fund – Times Colonist, May 13
Dave Obee: Giving credit where it’s due for Rapid Relief Fund’s success – Times Colonist, May 13
CHEK Upside: Rapid Relief Fund helps farms and local food security – CHEK News, May 12
COVID-19 Homeless Tenting Site Planned in Chemainus – My Cowichan Valley Now, May 12
Donations help United Way support neighbourhoods – Times Colonist, May 12
Rapid Relief Fund helps small farms, food-share program – Times Colonist, May 12
Fuller Lake Arena parking lot to be set up as temporary homeless tent site beginning Tuesday, May 19 – Cowichan Valley Citizen, May 11
Dave Obee: Nearly $6M raised, Rapid Relief Fund is wrapping up soon – Times Colonist, May 10
Correctional centre inmates make donation to Rapid Relief Fund – Times Colonist, May 9
Rapid Relief Fund helps vulnerable in Cowichan Valley – Times Colonist, May 8
From Nigel House, a special donation – Times Colonist, May 7
Greater Victoria businesses pivot to help community with funds, food – Saanich News, May 6
Rapid Relief Fund nears $5.6 million with boost from Vancity – Times Colonist, May 5
COVID-19 Cowichan homeless plan gets financial backing – Cowichan Valley Citizen, May 4
Giving back a matter of heart for Capital Iron owner – Times Colonist, May 3
Dave Obee: How your newspaper is adapting and delivering in difficult times – Times Colonist, May 2
Tonight’s Stay at Home Gala will support Rapid Relief Fund – Times Colonist, May 2
Funding Allocated to Find Temporary Shelter for Cowichan Homeless – My Cowichan Valley Now, May 1
‘Doing our part’: matching offer for Rapid Relief Fund – Times Colonist, May 1
Real-estate firm giving portion of agents’ fees to Rapid Relief Fund – Times Colonist, April 30
Rapid Relief Fund: Vancity offers $100,000 in matching challenge – Times Colonist, April 29
Why Victoria’s charitable sector must survive COVID-19 – Victoria News, April 27
Sandra Richardson: Donors the key in fund’s successful achievement – Times Colonist, April 27
Rapid Relief Fund earmarks grants for Cowichan Valley – Times Colonist, April 27
Dave Obee: Why do people give? You might be inspired – Times Colonist, April 26
Heart flags stir wave of support for Rapid Relief Fund – Times Colonist, April 24
Rapid Relief Fund donor gives thanks for life’s kindnesses – Times Colonist, April 23
Thrifty Foods pledging $100,000 to rapid relief fund – CFAX, April 22
Community raises more than $5M for Victoria Rapid Relief Fund – CTV News, April 22
Seeing first-hand impact of donations; Rapid Relief Fund passes $5M – Times Colonist, April 22
Rapid Relief Fund delivers $1 million to community groups – Times Colonist, April 21
Colin Plant: Thanks for making a difference – Times Colonist, April 21
Greater Victoria businesses rally for Rapid Relief Fund – Victoria News, April 20
Thrifty Foods to match Rapid Relief Fund donations up to $100,000 – CHEK News, April 19
Thrifty Foods pledges to match Rapid Relief Fund donations up to $100,000 – Times Colonist, April 19
Dave Obee: If we can, here’s why we donate – Times Colonist, April 19
Rock for Relief: A Living Room Concert raises more than $500,000 – CHEK News, April 18
VIDEO: Rock for Relief show: Fund rises by $5,000 a minute in matching challenge – Times Colonist, April 17
Takin’ care of people at Rock for Relief, 8 tonight on CHEK – Times Colonist, April 17
#COVID19 | Community foundations in action: Victoria Foundation – Community Foundations of Canada, April 17
April 17th Rock for Relief: A Living Room Fundraising Concert for Vancouver Island – Business Examiner, April 16
COVID-19: Sooke eliminates community grants program for 2020 – Victoria News, April 16
The art of kindness: Kids’ drawings part of connecting with residents of care homes – Times Colonist, April 16
Comment: Olympic rower on embracing crew mindset amid pandemic – Times Colonist, April 16
The Discovery Pod: Victoria Foundation with Sandra Richardson – The Discovery Pod, April 15
Rock for Relief on CHEK: Where are your dollars going? – CHEK News, April 15
Comment: Sooke Mayor Maja Tait on how Rapid Relief Fund has helped her town – Times Colonist, April 15
Intimate, livestreamed concert from Island superstars raising money for Nanaimo Foundation – Nanaimo News Now, April 14
Aiming for $5M, Rapid Relief Fund boosts meal programs, shelters, child care – Times Colonist, April 14
Rock for Relief: Island talent raises funds in ‘Living Room’ concert on Friday – Times Colonist, April 14
Comment: VIATEC’S Dan Gunn on seeing silver linings – Times Colonist, April 14
‘We’re in’: The Tenors, Trevor Guthrie and many more ready to Rock for Relief – CHEK News, April 14
David Foster, Randy Bachman to headline stacked Vancouver Island charity concert on CHEK – CHEK News, April 13
Dave Obee: An Easter like no other – Times Colonist, April 12
Siblings’ project matches tutors with young students – Times Colonist, April 12
School district food program retools to fill growing need – Times Colonist, April 10
COVID-19: School-based lunch programs expand to feed thousands during crisis – Victoria News, April 9
Forgotten seniors thrown a lifeline, thanks to you – Times Colonist, April 9
Rapid Relief Fund update – CFAX, April 8
Victoria school district providing 10,000 meals per week to students – CTV News, April 8
Rapid Relief Fund: Women’s Transition House to see $100,000 relief as calls skyrocket – Times Colonist, April 8
Dave Obee: Where the Rapid Relief Fund donations are going – Times Colonist, April 7
Victoria Foundation’s Rapid Relief Fund helps local charities stay afloat amid pandemic – CHEK News, April 6
Monique Kieran: Virus casts a shadow of a new Great Depression – Times Colonist, April 5
Retired Vecima CEO donates $50,000 to Rapid Relief Fund on family’s behalf – Times Colonist, April 4
Dave Obee: A match made for our times – Times Colonist, April 3
Dave Obee: The needy and the newly needy – Times Colonist, April 2
Mayor David Screech: Generosity of community is inspiring and urgently needed – Times Colonist, April 1
27 ways for the financially fortunate to help out – The Globe and Mail, March 31
Dave Obee: Donate and double your ability to help others – Times Colonist, March 31
Community comes together to fund Rapid Relief – Black Press, March 30
As effect of pandemic grows, so does community need: Salt Spring organization – Times Colonist, March 30
Rapid Relief Fund reaches $100,000 match; $2.6 million in total – Times Colonist, March 29
Dave Obee: If you can afford it, please donate to the Rapid Relief Fund – Times Colonist, March 29
Dave Obee: YES! Fund hits $2 million in less than a week – Times Colonist, March 28
Rapid Relief Fund: Why they donated – Times Colonist, March 28
Nanaimo Foundation launches drive to help charities hit by COVID-19 – CHEK News, March 26
Dave Obee: Governments are acting, but there’s still plenty of need – Times Colonist, March 26
THANKFUL FOR GENEROUS RESPONSE TO COVID-19 – Cool Aid Society, March 25
Comment: Continue the beat of hope, donate today – Times Colonist, March 25
Greater Victoria raises $1M in 36 hours for those in need – Victoria News, March 25
Victoria Rapid Relief Fund donations continue to climb – Times Colonist, March 25
Dave Obee: We vow to keep going to help meet community’s needs – Times Colonist, March 25
Comment: Small contributions can lead to great impact – Times Colonist, March 24
Dave Obee: Generosity pours in, we’re passing it on just as quickly – Times Colonist, March 24
Rapid Relief Fund disbursement for first $1 million – Times Colonist, March 24
Community steps up to provide rapid relief; where $1M in donations will go – Times Colonist, March 24
Rapid relief for Victoria’s most vulnerable residents – CFAX, March 24
Rapid Relief Fund surpasses $1M, aiming for $2M and looking for new charities – CHEK News, March 23
CHEK Upside: Rapid Relief Fund surpasses $1M goal in support of greater Victoria charities – CHEK News – March 22
Donations to Rapid Relief Fund off to terrific start – Times Colonist, March 22
Rapid Relief Fund: Donations top $1M in day and a half – Times Colonist, March 22
Our biggest campaign yet: Help us raise $1 million in one week for those in need – Times Colonist, March 21