Today, Mayor John Tory announced the launch of the City’s DonateTO: COVID-19 portal which allows businesses and residents to make donations of products, services and funds in support of the City’s pandemic relief efforts.
The City of Toronto is working hard to support everyone impacted by COVID-19 and there are many ways the community can support the relief efforts, including donations of personal protective equipment, other goods and services, food and financial gifts. All donations help the City, in coordination with our community partners to enhance much needed services and supports, especially for the most vulnerable and those who support them.
Residents and business wanting to help support the City’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts can visit www.toronto.ca/covid-19 to make their gift or find out more about volunteer opportunities.
Residents, business and academic institutions have already reached out to the City asking how they can help support Toronto’s front-line efforts. Over the last few weeks donations valued at more than $1.5 million have been received, including Hudson’s Bay’s donation of 2,117 units of cookware, dinnerware, towels and bed linens and mattresses with a value of $335,000 and Sleep Country Canada’s donation of more than $150,000 worth of mattresses, adjustable bases, bed frames, sheets, pillows and mattress protectors, both donated to the City’s Rapid Rehousing Shelter project. Additionally, personal care products and cleaning products for vulnerable residents valued at $330,000 from GlobalMedic in partnership with Procter & Gamble and more than 50,000 masks from Dr. Wong and the Stop Covid-19 volunteer group have also been received.
The City’s Donation Coordination Task Force, led by the Toronto Office of Partnerships working closely with Emergency Operations Centre and Purchasing and Materials Management Division, will manage and allocate all donations under the guidance and direction of the City’s Senior Leadership Team.
Any questions about donations can be directed to donate@toronto.ca.
The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services and social supports. Check https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.
Quotes:
“Our daily lives have changed but one constant is that Torontonians care about their community and want to help. Many have already reached out to the City asking how they can contribute. From food security and support for homeless persons and seniors to mental health services and the purchase of personal protective equipment, donations will help the City’s ongoing efforts to support the most vulnerable in our city, along with the programs and our community partners who support them.”
– Mayor John Tory
“All donations to the City will be directed to the highest priority needs in this evolving situation. Seeing our businesses and residents come together to help out reminds us that while we are a place of great diversity, we are united, compassionate and generous in times of crisis.”
– Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson, Scarborough Centre (Ward 21), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee
“In the midst of these very difficult and uncertain times it is wonderful to know how businesses and residents alike are seeking a way to connect and support others. This is a strong demonstration of shared commitment for the safety, health and wellness of our families, loved ones and the whole community.”
– Councillor Mike Colle, Eglinton-Lawrence (Ward 8)
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit http://www.toronto.ca or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/CityofToronto, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cityofto.