How to Support Your Community During a Pandemic
Many of our members have been reaching out, asking how they can help during this uncertain time. Covid-19 has not only taxed the health system, but it has also impacted individuals’ livelihoods and local businesses alike. There are so many ways your country needs your full participation. You may be trying to do your best and keep your own house in order; however, volunteering and being part of your community will help to alleviate your anxiety and make you feel a part of something bigger.
The Zest Wellness team is lucky to work for a supportive company that is caring for their employees while giving back to the community. To date, Colonial Group International has donated a total of $120k to the following organizations in the communities where it operates:
Your help, however, does not necessarily need to be financial. Your time and attention can go a long way. Several non-profit organizations could use a helping hand to make sure we care for the most vulnerable populations.
HOW TO SUPPORT NON-PROFITS:
Local non-profits are struggling to meet the increased demand of communities amongst layoffs and school closures. On top of this, cancellations of fundraising events are having a severe impact on how they are raising and distributing much-needed community resources. "We have seen an increase in the unemployment rate, which means more people in Bermuda are without health insurance coverage," says Ron Spencer, Colonial Group executive and founder of The Relay for Life. "Due to this, more people will need assistance to pay for their unanticipated cancer treatment." He stresses that "during these unprecedented times, it is essential to be reminded that cancer does not sleep and neither should our support in raising funds."
See below for how you can support The Relay for Life this year and also check in with the smaller non-profits you have invested in the past, as they are likely also experiencing challenges. Below are a few charities that need your support. Be sure to Google your local charities in need or read your newspaper to discover more communities in need of your support.
Bermuda Community Foundation (BCF): If you are in Bermuda, check out GiveBermuda.org, an online database and gift-processing platform that makes giving to local non-profits easy. The site has been set up by the BCF who mobilizes and funnels resources strategically to the community. They have also set up a Covid-19 emergency fund. Over $1.4 million in contributions and pledges have been received to date and are already being used to meet critical needs in essential areas including emergency response, food security, medical care and mental health.
Relay for Life: This year marks the 7th Annual Relay for Life in Bermuda. It’s mission is to raise awareness and funds to support access to cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and support provided by Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre. This year the format of the relay is virtual. You can assist by registering a team, or donating to the cause. To make a general donation, please visit https://bermudarelay.com/donate/
Red Cross: The mission of the Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering. Please check in with your country's Red Cross to see how you can assist by supporting their diverse array of programs, including health and safety and blood services.
Local Food Banks: Food security has become a significant issue in all communities. Please support your local food banks by donating money or shopping for essential food items. Many suggested grocery lists are on your local food bank's website.
Meals on Wheels: This organization provides home-delivered meals to the community's most vulnerable seniors. It also directs funds toward professional case management, and other needed items or services to homebound, elderly and disabled clients.
Feed the Children: Works with thousands of partner agencies including food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens and churches.
Humane Societies: Many people have had to leave the Islands due to their economic circumstances, leaving their pet(s) with the Humane Society. Fostering a pet during this time can help your local humane society and assist with finding them a forever home.
HOW TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES
Many restaurants have been forced to close or reduce their operations. Consider ordering takeout if available through your favourite restaurant or purchasing a gift card or merchandise.
Check-in with your local Chamber of Commerce or development associations to see how you can support community businesses who are struggling during this time.
Danielle Paynter, VP Sales and Business Development at Butterfield and Founder of The NAB App, says "local businesses are struggling with cash flow, logistical issues, high operating costs and education. Sponsorship of educational initiatives, subsidization of costs with getting e-commerce platforms and collaborating with supportive companies such as BEDC (Bermuda Economic Development Corporation), Ignite or #choosebda will go a long way to support the business community".
DOING YOUR PART TO STOP THE SPREAD
Please respect your country's rules and the scientific community when it comes to flattening the curve. Continue to social distance, stay at home when you can, wear a mask when out and continuously wash your hands.
Information regarding how to stay safe is continuously updated as we learn about the disease. It is your responsibility to keep yourself up to date. Allowing your staff to work from home if they can, will send an important message to both your employees and your community that you are ready to do your part by staying off of public transportation, out of hospitals, and public places.
Older people are among the most vulnerable to complication from the virus. Please check in on the seniors you know and ask if you can help shop and deliver groceries. If you have loved ones in a long-term care facility, please respect the rules and do not visit and risk exposing them.
Many neighbourhoods are coming together to create mutual aid networks via Facebook and other means. A mutual aid network is where members can post their needs such as food, pharmacy runs and even financial support. Think about joining one or starting your own in your community.
SHOW GRATITUDE TO THE FRONTLINE AND SUPPORT WORKERS
Many people have been working in the foreground, saving lives, and in the background, supporting us during this time. We have many people to be thankful for, including nurses and doctors, grocery store clerks, domestic workers, police officers, firefighters, delivery people, teachers, and the list goes on.
Find ways to show your appreciation and support. Deliver food to front line workers (hospital, police department), tip your grocers, send goodies or care boxes. Remember, when physically exchanging items to stay within the guidelines to keep hygienic and safe.
We are all in this together and come from different backgrounds and experiences. Ultimately, we can support one another by remaining kind and forgiving during these challenging times and keeping a pulse on the needs of our family, friends and community.
