Media release
Communitech and partners raise more than $200,000 for communities in need
‘This, Too, Will Pass’ campaign brings much-needed funds to seven Waterloo Region charities
KITCHENER, ONT., June 25, 2020 — In just one short month, Communitech and partners raised a total of $208,858.03 with assistance from Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation as part of its “This, Too, Will Pass” campaign. Seven charities in Waterloo Region will receive funds from this campaign to allow them to continue supporting vulnerable people in our community. These charities and non-profit organizations include:
- Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region
- Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region
- Sanguen Health Centre (in support of Inner City Health Alliance, shelter care)
- Carizon Family and Community Services
- African, Carribean and Black Network of Waterloo Region
- The Working Centre (in support of St. John’s Kitchen)
- YW Kitchener-Waterloo (in support of emergency shelters)
"Communitech is a big part of the Waterloo Region community and we have a responsibility to help where we can – pandemic or not,” said Iain Klugman, CEO and president at Communitech. "We are proud to have had so many partners who share these values, including FairVentures, Interac, Rogers Communications, Sonova, TD, Thomson Reuters and Vidyard. Their participation means we were able to triple all donations and triple the impact across the community.”
Early in May 2020, it became clear that a number of Waterloo Region residents were struggling with mental health, homelessness and other crisis situations made worse by COVID-19, which put additional strain on the charities tasked with helping them. So, Communitech jumped into action and established the Communitech COVID-19 Response Fund at Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation.
“As our community continues to adjust to the effects of COVID-19, charitable organizations across Waterloo Region are being challenged to adapt while keeping up with increasing need for their services,” said Elizabeth Heald, President & CEO, Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation. “We are pleased that we have been able to assist Communitech as they brought people together from the tech sector, and beyond, to support our community.”
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues across the world and in our community, Communitech and partners are well aware that more help will be needed. This is just the beginning; further initiatives will follow.
For more information or to make a donation to any of the above listed charitable institutions, please visit Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation’s website: https://www.kwcf.ca/.
Interested to learn more? View the full 'This, Too, Will Pass' campaign results.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Kevin Crowley
Director, Communications and Editorial
kevin.crowley@communitech.ca
About Communitech
Communitech helps founders start, grow and succeed. Established in 1997, our mission has been our guide ever since. We are doubling down on our commitment to elevate Waterloo Region as an innovation hub on the global stage. A strong and vibrant region is essential for a prosperous province and resilient nation. Firmly rooted in our commitment to Tech for Good®, we collaborate with tech communities from coast to coast to create growth opportunities for our founders. With a unified support network, we are shaping a future where Canadian tech sets trends and sparks inspiration worldwide. Our superpower is the ability to connect, convene and catalyze: we bring people, opportunities and resources together, create space for collaboration and partnerships, and provide the tools and support tech companies need to scale.