A new program to help put frontline workers into hotel rooms has been launched by Accent Inn and United Way.
As part of United Way’s Local Love in a Global Crisis fund and in partnership with Accent Inn, donors can now help cover the costs of accommodation for essential service workers with the new ‘Hotels for Frontline Workers Fund.’
According to a press release from the two organizations, the partnership is intended to offer much-needed support for the “superheroes” who are putting in the long, demanding hours, while putting themselves at risk.
“Workers are able to take advantage of a highly discounted rate per night so that they can get rest and at the same time, self-isolate to keep their families safe during this extraordinary time,” said the joint statement.
During the coronavirus pandemic, frontline workers have continued to allow for the essential needs of communities to be met, but are at high risk of contracting the disease from others both on and off duty.
“This is another example of a leader in our business community really stepping up and showing its local love,” said Mark Breslauer, CEO, United Way Greater Victoria. “We are pulling together to get through this pandemic. We are greatly appreciative of everyone’s incredible generosity.”
According to the Mandy Farmer, president and CEO of Accent Inn, those workers staying at the Victoria location will also be getting a little added complimentary fuel.
“We were so inspired when we started getting calls from community members who wanted to donate,” said Farmer. “Even Bin 4, our onsite restaurant in Victoria, is offering a free meal every day for frontline workers that are staying at our hotel. That is just another heart-warming example of local love.”
According to the press release, the Hotels for Frontline Workers Fund, is available not just in Victoria, but also the Richmond, Burnaby, Kamloops and Kelowna locations.
United Way of Greater Victoria said they created the Local Love in a Global Crisis fund with the idea it will evolve and adapt during the coronavirus outbreak in order to meet the needs of the Greater Victoria community.
In addition to hotel donations, the fund is also raising money to provide help for seniors, mental health support and social service sector support.
To donate to the Hotels for Frontline Workers Fund or if you are frontline worker needing an accommodation, go to accentinns.com/essentialservices
During the crisis, United Way has received additional support from the Canadian government to keep operations going. On Sunday, March 29, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the federal government is giving $9 million to the United Way and $7.5 million to Kids Help Phone.
Graham Cox
