NEWS RELEASE
NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK
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Since the COVID-19 crisis began, Neighbourhood Network has been working with its charitable partners, local municipal leaders, and key stakeholders to identify the most urgent needs our communities are currently facing.
“We are mindful of the role we all must play in flattening the curve and implementing social distancing,” said manager Erin Cerenzia, “but there are still many things we can do to help make a difference and safely provide support to those in need. We are calling on the community to ‘spread joy, not germs,’ and have identified some safe actions you can take immediately, from your own home.”
1. Draw pictures for seniors: Seniors alone in their homes and retirement residents are suffering from extreme loneliness as a result of social isolation. Draw a picture or create some homemade artwork to send to a senior in need! When your masterpiece is complete, snap a photo or scan it and email it to [email protected].
2. Call a senior: For those in isolation, a phone call can go a long way! Call 1-877-452-4287 to volunteer for CHATS – Community & Home Assistance to Seniors Telephone Reassurance program today.
3. Deliver groceries and medicine: Volunteers who are able to deliver groceries and medicine to seniors and other high risk individuals in our communities are encouraged to connect with CHATS – Community & Home Assistance to Seniors at 1-877-452-4287 or Routes Connecting Communities at 905-722- 4616 or [email protected].
4. Donate goods and funds: Charities and non-profits in our communities are also on the front-lines providing important services to those in need and at risk in our communities. We continue to be in contact with our registered partners, and are updating their list of urgently needed donations on a daily basis. Click here to see these needs.
5. Donate blood: There is an extreme blood donor shortage at this time. It is safe to donate blood during the COVID-19 crisis and critical to the care of patients. Click here to find out how you can donate in your community!
6. Support local businesses: Click here to learn more from our partners at the Chambers of Commerce about how you can support local businesses during this time. We also encourage you to purchase gift cards from local restaurants and donate them to organizations in need, or to order meal delivery from restaurants to help support these businesses!
7. Stay informed: Our municipalities are working tirelessly to keep you all informed. Click here to access the most current information in your municipality and from your mayor.
8. Social media campaign: #spreadjoynotgerms We want to see how you are spreading joy and to learn about the things you are grateful for during this time! Use this hashtag when you post on social media and tag Neighbourhood Network (@neighbourhoodnetwork Facebook, Instagram and @NeighbourNetwrk Twitter) in your posts so we can share messages of positivity!
Cerenzia also noted that Neighbourhood Network has updated the application deadlines for its Give Back Awards scholarship program for graduating Grade 12 students, as well as the Magna Hoedown charity beneficiary application. Both applications have been extended to 4 p.m. April 9 to accommodate the current situation.
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