Now that we’re in week 9 of physical distancing during COVID-19, I’ve been thinking a lot about my community.
Disclaimer – This post was written in partnership with TELUS as part of their #TELUS_partner program. All thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own.
COVID-19 ~ Unprcedented Times
This time we are currently experiencing is definitely unprecedented. I’ve never lived through a shutdown of life as we know it. It’s made me think of my community — the worldwide community, our online community, and also the community that I live in. I live on an island that has two local hospitals, but should the pandemic hit here, I’m not sure that the two little hospitals would be able to handle the number of patients they would need to treat.
Ways of Giving Back to Community
I’ve been thinking of ways to help out during this COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve been running errands and picking up groceries for a few people who are unable to leave their homes. My family has also been volunteering by helping out with the fruit and vegetable distribution program, where fresh fruits and vegetables are given to families and seniors in the community for free.
My eleven year old daughter wanted to sew face masks for the health clinics, but then she started online schooling and doesn’t have a lot of extra time to devote to sewing masks. Between school work and farm chores, her days are full, and I don’t even know how to operate her sewing machine!
It warms my heart to see many people on our island sewing masks for frontline workers and others in the community to wear masks for running errands and going in public. I know two friends on the island who have been busy sewing masks (Jackie from Jackie’s Art Quilts and Delray from Eenvoudig Simply Unique).
What could we do as a family to assist in the betterment of our community? How can we do our part in making a difference during this unprecedented time? Food security seems to be an important need to fill. I really want to give back by donating food to our local food bank.
Then I noticed that Little One has been on a creative streak! We’ve been reviving the lost art of traditional letter writing, and Little One has been including some of her artwork. She’s been sending snail mail to friends, family, seniors, and people in our community. 
Though I’ve been running errands and doing grocery drop offs for those who cannot leave their homes right now, we wanted to find some way for Little One to virtually give where we live. In order to practice physical distancing and still help out our community, she can bring smiles to people’s faces and still stay connected safely.
Another great idea during these unprecedented times is to contact your local senior care facilities to see if they are interested in having volunteers who will connect with seniors virtually. Right now our senior home centres are not allowing family and friends to visit the residents due to safety precautions during COVID-19. No doubt, visits are missed. Telling stories or singing songs via video chat can make someone’s day!
TELUS #StayGiving
Did you know that for the past 15 years, TELUS Days of Giving has made a powerful impact in communities around the world? TELUS’ giving philosophy, #GiveWhereWeLive and its team members and retirees have volunteered 1.4 million days of service and contributed $1.3 billion in support of Canadian charities and grassroots organizations since 2000 — more than any other Canadian organization.
TELUS team members and retirees across Canada are volunteering virtually and they’re encouraging Canadians to do the same. TELUS is donating masks to help protect Canada’s frontline healthcare workers. Each time Canadians share a mask they are sewing for themselves or others and share it on social media with the #StayGiving hashtag, TELUS will donate one mask to frontline healthcare workers!
No act of kindness is ever too small. If we all give through acts of kindness, we can make a difference. Running errands, volunteering to deliver food or do groceries, sewing masks, writing snail mail or video chatting with seniors…these all make a difference in someone’s life. Stay connected with others and support the community.
Will you be joining the #StayGiving challenge? How will you stay connected and stay giving?
Donate blood if you are able. Canadian Blood Services locations are open and booking appointments. They follow strict COVID precautions. The need for blood is always there, and you are giving back to so many.
That is such a good idea. There is always a need for blood donations.