Thank you for the opportunity to illustrate the urgent need to support non-profits, charities and social enterprises, because none of us can afford the collapse of this sector. We need it now and after. I want to acknowledge our MP, Peter Fragiskatos, London North Centre, for his support of our sector.
Pillar Nonprofit Network is a regional network in southwestern Ontario that supports more than 610 members including individuals, organizations and enterprises. We operate a 32,000-square-foot shared space in London, Ontario called Innovation Works and we invest $4 million in our region through our social finance program, Verge Capital. I'm also the board chair of the Ontario Nonprofit Network.
Our work at Pillar is driven by the belief that having the three pillars of non-profit, business and government working together is essential for our communities to thrive. We believe in the collective power of networks and the federal government as a key partner within this network. We need you; you need us.
Non-profits, charities and social enterprises are uniquely positioned to be invaluable partners for government to develop programs, services and policies that incorporate diverse perspectives and are responsive to community needs. Their significance has been amplified by the extraordinary resilience and adaptability they have shown in response to COVID-19. That said, there's a harsh reality we're now facing in the non-profit sector. Organizations have had to lay off staff and temporarily suspend operations. Across Canada, an estimated 117,000 to 194,000 people have been laid off. Revenues are declining quickly, as you heard from Imagine Canada, which projected financial losses of $9.5 billion to $16 billion for registered charities alone. Demand for services has, in many cases, increased even for organizations that are not on the front line.
In addition to measures needed to respond to COVID-19, there are many other issues that are being exacerbated by the pandemic: homelessness and housing, addictions and mental health, violence against women and children, and other health issues not treated. We must work to limit and prevent the downstream costs from the deterioration of health and well-being caused by this pandemic. Take, for example, a local board I serve on, Atlohsa Family Healing Services, that supports indigenous-led programming, including a women's shelter and resting spaces that have seen an increase in demand for services. We anticipate even greater demand once we come through this crisis.
To date, the federal government has invested a great deal in helping individuals, businesses and organizations. Regrettably, many non-profits, charities and social enterprises simply do not qualify for some of the economic response measures. Fifty per cent of our sector does not have paid staff, but their finances are still taking a hit. Many sports leagues are fuelled by volunteers, but they contribute to the economy and to our health and well-being. We appreciate the investments that have been made in organizations providing front-line services for the most vulnerable people and communities, but these measures are not sufficient if we want to maintain vital social infrastructure across the country, including arts, culture, sports and faith.
Sunfest, a cultural music festival that attracts 225,000 attendees annually and our Home County Music and Art Festival have both cancelled their summer events. This is a $6-million loss in revenue for local businesses. In addition, organizations that may fall through the gaps of the already announced funding include many non-profit social enterprises, including YMCAs, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, as well as courier services, catering and child care. These non-profits rely on earned income to supplement government funding streams. In fact, 45% of revenue for the core charitable sector is from earned revenue. They are suffering the loss of sales of their goods and services just as small businesses are. Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes has had to lay off 850 staff, many of whom already face barriers, and the organization has seen the loss of $125,000 per day. That represents 90% of its funding.
A broad fund for the sector would alleviate the challenges I've outlined today. That is why we, along with the thousands of organizations and people you have heard from, are supporting the sector resilience grant program proposal submitted by Imagine Canada. It will manage the multiple requests from various sectors. It will save the government time, including the time spent by staff and elected officials with each subsector. It will save the government money in the long run.
We estimate that around $6 billion in emergency funding is still urgently needed. This number was not brought forward lightly. It illustrates that our sector is a significant economic and social driver in this country. Most importantly, the cost of doing nothing is even greater. Canadians have spent generations building a sector that delivers services more efficiently and effectively than government, provides good jobs in every community, addresses equity and inclusion and contributes enormously to our quality of life.
Take a moment to imagine your community without support for people with disabilities and mental health issues, without shelters, without organizations rallying for the eradication of diseases, without supports for those new to Canada and seniors, without places of worship, without amateur sports and community centres, without community theatres, festivals, and museums and so much more. It would take years and far greater investments to rebuild this sector than it will take to preserve it today.
While you consider our proposal, I ask you to pause to imagine the organizations you personally support and engage with. Pause to imagine if they no longer existed. Every single person in this country benefits from this vital sector. We cannot afford to let it collapse. This is the moment for your support.
Thank you for listening. I am happy to answer any of your questions.