To help those in need affected by the coronavirus, the Bears are making a $250,000 donation to the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund. The Fund is in collaboration with the City of Chicago, the Chicago Community Trust and United Way of Metro Chicago.
"Our thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic," Bears President and CEO Ted Phillips said in a statement. "This is a challenging time for all of us, but significantly more so for those who have temporarily lost their jobs or are unable to access food and essential items. With that in mind, we are beginning our support of those in need with a $250,000 donation to the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund.
"We encourage anyone who is able to provide assistance to their neighbors in need–whether it's helping an elderly or sick community member pick up medicine or groceries, or making a financial donation–to please do so. We are extremely grateful to the healthcare providers, first responders, grocers and everyone who is putting their health at risk to continue to serve our communities. Thank you so much. You are the true heroes. Together, we will show our collective strength and resilience, and get through this unprecedented crisis."
Fans can make a donation by visiting www.chicagocovid19responsefund.org. According to the website, the fund aims to "unite the funds raised by Chicago's philanthropies, corporations and individuals to be disbursed to nonprofit organizations across the region."
"In order to be there for our friends, families and neighbors in this unprecedented time it takes all of us coming together as one," said Sean Garrett, President and CEO of United Way of Metro Chicago. "We're proud to join forces with The Chicago Community Trust, the City of Chicago and the Chicago Bears to ensure that we can support our neighbors in need."
Donations aim to provide increased access to emergency food and basic supplies, rent and mortgage assistance, utility assistance, direct financial assistance for household supplies, and nonprofit safety and operations assistance. All grants from the fund will go to local nonprofit organizations, who will distribute services and supplies.
"We are facing unprecedented times that severely impact the most vulnerable in our region," said Dr. Helene Gayle, President and CEO of The Chicago Community Trust. "Collective action is our only solution, and we applaud the efforts of so many that have joined us, including the Chicago Bears, as we rally the resources for our neighbors in need."
