Cobourg is rallying behind people displaced by wildfires in northern Ontario through a grassroots fundraising campaign that asks residents to give what they can.
The 10 for 10 campaign asks people to contact 10 others over 10 days and ask each person to contribute 10 dollars.
Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland says the idea was inspired by his time working on oil rigs in Alberta, where crews would collect money to help small northern communities after devastating wildfires.
Cleveland says the tradition was simple: workers would pass around a hat and collect whatever they could to help people during some of the most difficult days of their lives.
He says Cobourg is now taking on the role of that proverbial hat.
The campaign was launched after Cleveland heard about the wildfire evacuations affecting Whitesand and Armstrong.
He says he was listening to the CBC when he heard the chief of Whitesand discussing the evacuations and the challenges facing the community.
Cleveland says the idea quickly gained support, with several local organizations expressing interest in getting involved before the campaign was brought to council.
The campaign is designed to provide financial assistance as quickly as possible rather than collect food or clothing, with Cleveland saying other organizations are already doing that work.
The response has already included support from the Cobourg Lions Club, which contributed 500 dollars.
Cleveland says individual donors have been giving more than the requested 10 dollars as well.
The campaign is running until August 7th. Cleveland says donations can be made by cheque or through an e-transfer to the Town of Cobourg, with donors asked to include “10 for 10” in the message section.
The town’s Chief Administrative Officer, Tracy Vaughn, is overseeing the process of determining where the money can have the greatest impact. Cleveland says the distribution of the funds will be documented and a report will be brought forward.
Donation receipts are available upon request.
Cleveland says the campaign is ultimately about reminding people that communities across Ontario are connected and should support one another during difficult times.
Residents looking to participate can search for Cobourg 10 for 10 online for more information, or contact the Town of Cobourg directly. The campaign is encouraging anyone who can contribute 10 dollars to take part, while recognizing that larger donations are welcome as well.
The campaign’s message is simple: reach out to 10 people, ask each to give 10 dollars, and help Cobourg show its support for people facing the aftermath of wildfires.
(Written by: Branden Rushton)
