BC Dames step up to the plate and offer relief through new funding opportunities

BC Dames step up to the plate and offer relief through new funding opportunities

Les Dames d’Escoffier, BC Chapter establishes $40,000 COVID relief fund for food-focused organizations supporting women

Recognizing the onerous challenges that charities and community programs in British Columbia are confronting during the global pandemic, Les Dames d’Escoffier, BC Chapter has created a COVID relief fund to provide much-needed aid. The $40,000 fund was established in response to the COVID-19 crisis and the significant financial impact faced by many organizations and programs supporting women and their families through food security, education, and training.

“We developed these grants to assist established programs that empower women and encourage positive change within the food industry,” explains Cassandra Anderton, Chapter Co-President. “A number of the charitable events and promotions we normally support had to be cancelled or postponed last year, and this is our way of continuing to give back to our local communities.”

Les Dames d’Escoffier, BC Chapter (LDBC) hosts food-and-beverage-related events that raise money to facilitate outreach programs as well as a scholarship program that empowers women in the industry by supporting their educational goals and advancement in their fields. The LDBC completed another successful scholarship application campaign this year but, unfortunately, countless charitable events and promotions that would have benefitted a variety of organizations were cancelled in 2020. Thanks to generous donors and successful fundraising activities in 2019 along with a significant $20,000 contribution from British Columbia’s Snow Cap Enterprises Ltd. earmarked specifically for this fund, LDBC can reimagine and continue their philanthropic efforts.

With grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, many recognized non-profits, charities, and social enterprises can find assistance through the LDBC Relief Fund. Eligible organizations and programs that fit the criteria of delivering successful experiences and support to women and their families through food access or mentorship are encouraged to review the guidelines and complete an application at lesdames.ca/relief-fund/. Application deadline is March 31, 2021.