Coronavirus: Fanshawe College establishes emergency fund for students in need

Fanshawe College in London, Ont., is providing financial assistance to students in need amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement released Thursday, the college says the Student Emergency Fund has been established with the support of donors and the Fanshawe Student Union.

“The fund is set to provide short-term support for financially vulnerable students who have found themselves in unexpected economic need due to the global pandemic,” the statement reads.

Students in need can receive up to $500 in financial assistance.

Funds will be distributed on a first-received basis to students in greatest need, according to the college.

Students can apply for access to the $1.5 million emergency fund starting Monday, April 13 at 10 a.m.

“These are very stressful times for our students and we are concerned for their well-being,” says Michele Beaudoin, vice-president, Student Services.

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“This emergency fund will provide some financial relief to those most in need.”

0:46 Coronavirus outbreak: Ontario health official says province has ‘bent the curve’ but more work must be done

Locally, there are 170 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Thursday afternoon.

The death toll sits at eight, while the number of recovered cases is at 48.