You might be sitting at home feeling a bit helpless during this uncertain time.
"What can I do to help?"
These local charities have put together their own COVID-19 response programs so that you can contribute and make a difference if you are self-isolating and practicing social distancing.
1. Donate online to the Central Okanagan Food Bank
The Central Okanagan Community Food Bank is dedicated to providing much-needed food and support to those living in Kelowna and West Kelowna.
Since the Food Bank relies mostly on volunteers, with the majority being of them being seniors who are currently self-isolating it is crucial that we make donations and support the community.
Make an online donation to the Central Okanagan Food Bank here.
2. Donate to Mamas for Mamas
Mamas for Mamas has just launched a digital campaign on their website and social channels called #respondlikeamother to help manage the immense financial losses and increases the community needs due to the unprecedented shutdowns. The campaign is created to give people a safe, socially distanced way to support our sick, isolated and hungry mamas and their families without having to leave home.
"We know times are tough for everyone, but we also know this is a time people feel helpless and want to be part of the solution. $5 just as much as $5000 can help to make that difference. If we all come together to donate what we can even those who’ve lost jobs, homes and their livelihood will have a safer place to land with Mamas being able to provide front line, emergency poverty relief services," says Shannon Christensen, Found and CEO at Mamas for Mamas.
Do donate, click here.
3. Donate to United Way COVID-19 Relief Fund
Although this is a fluid and ever-changing situation, United Way's across Canada are planning to take action as quickly as possible in response to COVID-19 as we are uniquely positioned in over 100 communities across Canada to do so.
Working with community partners United Way has identified the following needs, while anticipating they will continue to grow:
– Seniors Isolation
– Food Security
– Capacity for Community Services
– Mental Health & Addictions
– Volunteer Support
Even in these uncertain times, no one is powerless to make a difference – anything helps.
To donate to the United Way Southern Interior BC’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, click here: http://unitedwaysibc.com/
4. Write a letter or send flowers to a senior.
Make it interactive so that they can write something back. Also, our local flower shops would appreciate the support!
You can send a letter to:
Revera The Dorchester Retirement Residence: 863 Leon Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9V4
Okanagan Chateau Retirement Residence: 2100 Benvoulin Ct, Kelowna, BC V1W 3A4
Hawthorn Park Retirement Residence: 867 K. L. O. Rd, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9G5
If you know any other retirement places in the Kelowna area, send them a later and cheer up a senior in the community during this time.
Please let us know if you know any other organizations accepting online donations at this time and we will update the story.
For more places to donate, click here.
