CAMDEN — “While the end of the pandemic may be coming into view, its impact on many of our friends and neighbors is still being felt and it’s going to be felt for quite some time,” said West Bay Rotary, in a news release. “Thanks to West Bay Rotary (WBR), there is a great way to help them get through it and double your impact.”

WBR in partnership with United Midcoast Charities (UMC) announces its “2021 Community Challenge,” a commitment to match the first $5,000 raised for those desperately in need of food, housing, health & safety, and economic security.

“We continue to see so many people struggling to make ends meet and to feed or house their families,” says WBR President Ken Gardiner. “We were delighted with last spring’s extraordinary Rapid Response Fund Challenge Match, which raised more than $24,000 and provided vital funding to agencies reeling from the first waves of the pandemic. But the need hasn’t gone away yet. So, we’re hoping our community steps up with us.”

As with all UMC fundraising campaigns, 100 percent of the money raised goes directly to the agencies with no administrative fees. Donations to the 2021 WBR Community Challenge will provide Urgent Needs Grants to support food pantries, homeless shelters, and other basic needs during the COVID crisis and beyond.

To make a donation to UMC and double your impact, go to: https://unitedmidcoastcharities.org/wbr

About West Bay Rotary

West Bay Rotary has been a Midcoast Rotary club for 35 years as of April 2021. As described by its mission, “the Rotary Club of West Bay is a community leader that effects positive changes through service — locally and internationally.” Club members also abide by the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.” WBR members have made and continue to make many significant contributions to the Midcoast community and to the greater Rotary world. The club meets on Thursday mornings from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., currently via Zoom.  For more information about WBR, go to: www.westbayrotaryofmaine.org.

About United Midcoast Charities

UMC energizes Midcoast Maine nonprofits through finance and guidance, supporting a network of resources stronger than any single organization. UMC’s primary focus areas are food, housing, health & safety and economic security. Through a thorough application and review process, individuals and businesses throughout the region join forces to provide funding for the vital work of clinics, daycare centers, food banks, soup kitchens, medical services, housing providers and many other organizations.

For more details, visit www.unitedmidcoastcharities.org.