The Wakefield Community Emergency Fund (WCEF) is an officially recognised charitable organisation by the Canada Revenue Agency. Registration number: 83723 8179 RR0001.
Bring hope and relief to local families facing emergencies in the Wakefield Community.
With less than 1% WCEF administration costs your donation goes directly to the source of need and makes a difference in someone’s life.
How we help
Goal
The WCEF relieves poverty by providing basic necessities of life, including food, clean water, clothing, and/or shelter to individuals or families who are poor, of low income, or in need when facing emergencies out of their control.
Mission
Our mission is to ease the burden of those in need by mobilising the power of giving in the local community.
Values
- Respect, dignity and care for one another within and outside the WCEF
- Integrity, accountability, effectiveness
- Fairness, anonymity, compassion, non-judgemental
2024 at a glance
It is hard to believe another year has come and gone, and what a year!!! The WCEF wants to take this time to give a huge shoutout to our community and local businesses who are always so extremely supportive of our cause.
The Wakefield Community Emergency Fund’s (WCEF) winter programs were hugely successful, and we would like to share some numbers and some mentions specifically for these programs that flow through our community.
Snow Suit Drive: Over 30 new snowsuits were provided for children in need this year. A huge shout out to Giant Tiger for their support in this initiative.
Toy Mountain: Over 80 children benefited from the Toy Drive. We cannot thank the Low Down to Hull and Back News and Giant Tiger enough for their huge support in this initiative. The Low Down has been partnering with WCEF for Toy Mountain since 2011. Through their dedicated advertising and promotion, awareness of the need is increased during a season where many could use the help. @giant tiger also went above and beyond this year, in addition to their promotion, Angel tree and discounted toy prices, they donated $500 worth of toys
Our very special thanks go to Janice Moore and Jacqui Fitzpatrick who work so hard to spearhead both the Snow Suit and Toy Mountain programs, and they are a huge part of the success of these campaigns.
Wakefield General Store Points Campaign: Wow!!! What an amazing year! Thanks to everyone who donated their points back prior to December 22nd, an incredible $3,976.35 was raised through this Campaign and the WGS, as they have kindly done for many years, donated an additional $2500.00. These points allow the WCEF to provide much-needed supplies and fresh goods to local families in need throughout the year.
In addition to the Points Campaign the WCEF works with the Wakefield General Store to prepare Christmas food hampers. In 2024 we were able to provide 22 food hampers to local community members! We are extremely grateful to be able to partner with the WGS in both initiatives. Apiverte has also been a wonderful partner for the hampers by donating their local homegrown honey to add a special touch to the hampers.
We also want to thank all the organizers of the local fundraisers, such as just in recent months: The Wakefield Christmas Market, the ongoing fundraising events at the Kaffe 1870, Return of the Light Event, and the Carpenters Ball. We know there are many others throughout the year, and we want everyone to know how much these events are appreciated.
We simply could not do what we do without all the many generous financial donations, that we receive from individuals and local businesses throughout the year. These donations help us reach our goals and sustain the viability of the Fund to address needs immediately.
Lastly, in addition to providing financial support for families and individuals we were once again this year able to support the Wakefield Food Pantry as well as supplement local school food programs throughout the year.
Thanks to all of the above, in 2024 the WCEF provided over $45,000 in financial assistance to individuals or families facing emergencies out of their control and support our ongoing programs (this excludes the WGS points). With a grand total of close to $365,000 since 2009.
Bravo to all of you! Obviously, this Fund belongs to the community, board members simply manage it on your behalf.
May 2025 bring everyone hope, happiness and light!
Who you are
You are first and foremost a powerful, artistic and generous community who supports the many, many needs of your neighbours, family and friends. We have seen this time and again at the WCEF, and with the numerous other charitable events in our small community. You have a heart that keeps on giving. We can always count on you to come forward and support.
How you can help
There are many ways you can donate to the WCEF. For more information do not hesitate to contact the WCEF.
Ten good reasons why you should support the WCEF
- The WCEF strives to be an agent of beneficial change in people’s lives in the local community, as well as meet the needs of the moment.
- All funds donated to the WCEF are used by the WCEF and given directly to the point of urgent need.
- The WCEF seeks to reach out to those most in need in our community and does so without discrimination on the basis of need.
- We strive to be transparent and effective.
- The WCEF is an officially recognised charitable organisation and keeps its administrative costs minimal (less than 1%.)
- The fund pays out no money in salaries. (All members are volunteers)
- Although donations are accepted year round, the WCEF seeks business and community support only twice in the year via special events.
- The WCEF provides support to the local community, as a whole.
- You can help people in your own community who need a helping hand.
- Because it could be you.
Unsolicited Donations
Are you planning a party or event and want to take the opportunity to raise money for the WCEF? Contact us and we can provide you with information pamphlets and posters on the WCEF for your event.
Volunteer
Our mission is to ease the burden of those in need by mobilising the power of giving in the local community. Volunteers are always welcomed to assist the Board for special projects or for the planning and organising of events. To ask about volunteering opportunities simply contact a board member.
Sponsorships/Partnerships
To discuss sponsorship and partnership opportunities please contact a WCEF Board member.
- Partnering with the Wakefield Community Emergency Fund connects businesses to an organisation that is increasingly known in the community as helping assist residents in need in times of emergency .
- Companies have the opportunity to increase their visibility.