ABBOTSFORD, April 26, 2022 – The Abbotsford Chamber was recognized today by the BC Economic Development Association for its leadership role in supporting farmers and businesses to recover after the devastating floods that affected the Fraser Valley last year.
The Chamber, in partnership with the University of the Fraser Valley and the Abbotsford Community Foundation, convened the Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund (ADRF) Coalition to provide immediate and long term assistance support to organizations, businesses and farms affected by the floods. In addition to the $1.1 million in relief grants that have been disbursed to-date by the Chamber to businesses and farmers, the ADRF has also raised over $4.2 million to provide ongoing assistance to support recovery and rebuilding for the future.
“We are truly proud of the tremendous work we have been able to accomplish alongside our Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund partners,” said Abbotsford Chamber CEO Katerina Anastasiadis, noting that a key priority was to provide funding for impacted farmers and businesses with an immediate need for funds but also to keep the medium and long term rebuilding efforts in mind. “The agricultural businesses in Abbotsford are a key economic generator for the region, and all of Canada. The Chamber will continue its mission of supporting our community and agricultural businesses beyond this disaster and its ongoing impacts.”
The award was issued by the BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA), the leading professional association of economic developers across British Columbia. It recognizes outstanding work in supporting local economies and making a meaningful community contribution. The ADRF received this award as a recognition of its ’replicable approach to promote long term resiliency and sustainability from future disasters.’
“We are thrilled to receive this award,” says Craig Toews, VP External at UFV. “We are extremely grateful for the leadership and passion that the Abbotsford Chamber put into this fundraising initiative and for the Chamber’s continued persistence during the pandemic in finding creative ways to support our business community.”
“On behalf of the Abbotsford Community Foundation, we are grateful to the Abbotsford Chamber for their partnership in establishing the Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund (ADRF), along with the University of the Fraser Valley,” said Wendy Neufeld, Executive Director of the ACF. “The work the Chamber has done to facilitate grants from the ADRF to farmers and businesses affected by the catastrophic flooding was outstanding. The Abbotsford Community Foundation believes in supporting our community now and forever and this partnership is a great example of our collective impact in Abbotsford. “
For further information on the Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund Farm and Business Stream: https://abbotsfordchamber.com/how-we-help/abbotsford-disaster-relief-fund/
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Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce (ACOC) – https://abbotsfordchamber.com/
Media Contacts:
Katerina Anastasiadis, CEO, Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, katerina@abbotsfordchamber.com
Alexandria Mitchell, H+K Strategies, alex.mitchell@hkstrategies.ca +1 236 622-2530