Reflecting on the power of community

These last several months have been unlike anything we have experienced before. Our world has changed. Our history has changed. Our community looks and feels different than it once did. I know it can be overwhelming trying to help everyone, especially when you might be struggling yourself.

None of us expected to go through a global pandemic. It has been heartbreaking to see the lives lost both to the pandemic and through tragedy close to home and beyond.

But despite all of this heaviness, we have rallied together.

I’ve been saying it for years — from the moment that I immigrated to Canada and chose Nova Scotia to be my home — the Maritimes is different. Maritimers truly care about each other and always dig deep to support those in need.

Never have we proven this more than during the last nine months.

I am proud to live in the Maritimes. I’m proud to work in the non-profit sector. I’m proud of the work my team does each and every day to support the women and children who need the IWK to remain exceptional. Thank you for always being there for them and for being there for each other.

I continue to be humbled by the selfless acts of kindness I’ve heard about or been privileged to witness. From people lining up to support a local restaurant that is struggling or picking up groceries for their elderly neighbour to the nurse at the side of a mom by herself with her premature baby in the IWK’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or the individuals and organizations who want to donate personal protective equipment, the common thread is people unconditionally showing up for each other.

I saw the courage of our frontline workers be it inside our hospitals, long-term care facilities or at the grocery store. I saw how health care professionals adapted and created new ways to reach people and care for them.

Our business community stepped up by donating funds, resources and talent all to help our community get through this unprecedented time. It is inspirational seeing philanthropists at all levels donating quietly and thoughtfully all in an effort to lend a hand and do what they can to make a real difference.

If you are in a position to support a charity or a local business, we hope you will, because the need is great. What matters most right now is continuing to pull together and being there for one another. And I truly believe if we all do this, we will come out of this crisis stronger and better than ever before.

However you choose to celebrate the season, I wish you a happy and safe holiday.