Over these last few months, we here at the Edmonton Jazz Festival Society have been incredibly moved and inspired by the generosity and collaborative sense of community demonstrated by Edmontonians – from the galvanized support for local businesses, to the spirited innovation of the arts and culture sector, to the tireless efforts of our essential and front-line workers caring for our city’s most vulnerable – we couldn’t be prouder to call Edmonton home.
We want to celebrate this resiliency and community-minded action by keeping the momentum going. We want to give back.
So, as we mark what would have been the opening weekend of the 2020 TD Edmonton International Jazz Festival, rather than requesting donations for the Edmonton Jazz Festival Society or our performers, the organization is honoured to support the community by highlighting a selection of local charities whose work we believe in. We are asking for your support, too.
To start things off, EIJF will be matching your community support with a gift of $500 to each charity profiled.
Listed below are the local organizations chosen for our inaugural Community Charity Initiative. We encourage you to learn more about their important work, and contribute to their cause. We will be running our campaigns until July 31st, 2020.
EDMONTON’S FOOD BANK
Ensuring Food Security In Our Community
Edmonton’s Food Bank provides food to over 20,000 people through our hamper programs every month. Of those receiving food through our hamper programs, approximately 40% are children under the age of 18. Edmonton’s Food Bank also provides food for between 375,000 and 450,000 meals and snacks through over 250 agencies, churches, schools and food depots monthly. Edmonton’s Food Bank receives no core funding from any level of government and relies on the generosity of the community and food industry partners to assist those in need in Edmonton.
THE COME UP
Supporting the voices, experiences and history of young peoples of African and Caribbean descent in our community.
As the youth collective of the Africa Centre, The Come Up has been working towards building and supporting a hub of African and Caribbean communities in Edmonton since 2013. The collective comes together to create and strategize community-based solutions to issues and challenges relevant to experiences. Overall, their mission aims to encourage individual and collective empowerment from within our communities.
UNITED WAY OF ALBERTA CAPITAL REGION
Assisting with Basic Needs, Homelessness, Literacy and Mental Health in our Community
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed how truly important it is to take action against the #unignorable issue of poverty. Poverty holds our community back from reaching its full potential and requires us to work together to find lasting solutions.United Way of the Alberta Capital Region mobilizes collective action to create pathways out of poverty for local families. By donating to United Way, you help support their ongoing work to tackle local poverty. Donation options also include designating for specific United Way COVID-19 relief efforts to help those who are affected by the current pandemic, or to work that addresses other local issues that you care about.
WIN HOUSE
Providing Assistance to Victims of Domestic Violence
WIN House provides a safe place and emergency services for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Through comprehensive programs, support and advocacy, we’re shifting the scales. As a safe haven for victims, we connect and equip individuals with the support and hope they need to overcome an abusive situation.
Thank you for joining us in supporting our community, for those who need it most.
The Edmonton Jazz Festival Society would like to thank the many arts organizations that continue to support us, enabling us to compensate every musician, technician, and venue involved in the presentation and delivery of our summer initiatives.
