A collaborative effort between the Chamber of Commerce and Business Improvement Associations in both the Municipality of Kincardine and the Town of Saugeen Shores along with Bruce Power will result in the distribution of $100,000 in locally-sourced essential items to assist community members in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an April 14 Bruce Power media release, lending a hand to the local business community and residents was the driving force behind the creation of the COVID-19 Community Relief initiative, which also included cooperation from municipal councils in both Saugeen Shores and Kincardine.

Thanks to the cooperation of Giant Tiger in Port Elgin, Sobey’s Kincardine, Canadian Tire Kincardine and Rexall Kincardine, which made essential products available for Bruce Power to purchase, 2,000 care packages will be distributed by the end of the week to families and individuals through the Bruce County Housing Service, Saugeen First Nation, Neyaashiinigmiing the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation (collectively Saugeen Ojibway Nation) and community organizations in Bruce County.

“Times like these bring out the best in people and the COVID-19 Community Relief program clearly reflects that,” said James Scongack, Executive Vice-President of Corporate Affairs and Operational Services, adding that thanks to the business and municipal leaders in Saugeen Shores and Kincardine and the communities that make up Saugeen Ojibway Nation, the hope is to make the lives of a significant number of residents a little bit better this month.

"We’re very grateful to the businesses for their generosity in a difficult time for the owners and employees who are going above and beyond to take care of the people in our communities," added Scongack. “I also want to express our appreciation to the civil maintenance workers at our site for doing the heavy lifting in getting the essential items prepared for distribution, on top of their regular responsibilities to keep our site safe.”