Ontario Construction News staff writer
A fundraising campaign was launched over the weekend, aiming to provide support for essential workers in Ontario who need time off due to COVID-19 and don’t have paid sick leave.
Organizers say the fund will pay $160 per day for up to five days to those who need it, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as money is available. It will operate on an honour system, trusting that only essential workers in financial need will apply.
The fundraiser website says the project was launched by engineer Jasmine Shaw, and registered nurses Lindsay Clarke and Connie Cameron.
As of Wednesday evening, the fundraiser had collected nearly $20,000 of its $80,000 goal.
The Ontario government has faced mounting calls during the pandemic to implement paid sick leave.
According to the crowdfunding site, the Ontario Sick Day Relief Project is a grass roots, community-led initiative that provides money to essential workers to enable them to take time off work due to COVID-19.
“We are working on a model of community trust and the understanding that anyone applying is in need of financial support. We are hopeful that people will respect the honour system and reserve this money for people who truly need it,” the organizers said.
Individuals can submit a request for funds through the Application Form.
The organizer withdraws the funds on a weekly basis if there are enough eligible applicants to receive the funds.
- The organizer deposits the funds into their bank account and then immediately sends an e-transfer to the email address listed in the Application Form.
- When an individual submits the application form they will select the number of days that they were off sick. Pending available funds, they will receive $160 per day for up to five days.
- Individuals must specify their industry and name of employer to confirm they are an essential worker.
“This initiative was started by three women who are invested in the health of their communities and want to help support their neighbours. We are not experts on paid sick day policy or workers rights, and are committed to amplifying the voices and work of organizations and individuals advocating for fair working conditions and rights,” organizers wrote on the fundraising page.
“We are not experts on paid sick day policy or workers rights and are committed to amplifying the voices and work of organizations and individuals advocating for fair working conditions and rights.”