Charitable giving during COVID-19
Everyone is feeling the effects of COVID-19 and just like businesses large and small, charities and non-profits are no exception. While the vulnerable – children in need, the homeless, those with disabilities or others who have lost access to much needed services – require the help of many of these organizations – who will help the non-profits in their time of need?
Now more than ever, it’s important for Canadians to unite and react by supporting these groups and services. The government has provided federal funding to aid these organizations, but a quick survey of some area readers, and it’s apparent that many individuals believe in the importance of stepping up as well.
Teresa Gubala says she knew at the beginning of the Pandemic that many charities would be needing a boost. She and her husband, Gerry Wright, made it a point to investigate who best to donate to in their local areas – the couple actually have three places they consider ‘home’. Hamilton – where Wright is the Director of IIDR - the Michael G. DeGroote Institute of Infectious Disease Research and is on the front lines working to find a medication to help ease the symptoms of COVID-19; Paris – where the couple recently bought a condo and Huron County where they have a house.
Among the charities that they have donated to are the United Way in Hamilton, One Care in Huron County and Blue Water Relief for front line workers. “My mother-in-law and I have made a bunch of cards for One Care to be delivered with their Meals on Wheels program and in Paris, I joined a network called Friends of the Little Free Pantry,” said Gubala, who notes that she adds extra items to her weekly grocery order to help keep the pantry full.
Why be so involved? For Gubala, ongoing health issues makes it difficult to actually volunteer so it’s nice to have things that work around her health. “This way, I feel like I’m still contributing to my communities.”
Janna Dawdy is the owner of JCMortgages.ca in Kitchener. Giving back to the community is a big part of her business. In just 15 years, JCMortgages. ca went from an independently run home-office service to a full, one-of-a-kind storefront. Dawdy says she believes it’s essential to make giving back to the community a priority. Since January, JCMakes a Difference - the philanthropic arm of the company – has been involved in several charities.
The company raised money for several national organizations including NEED2: Suicide Prevention Education & Support, Foodbanks Canada, the Canadian Mental Health Association and Carizon Mental Health. JCMakes A Difference collected over 96 pounds of food as well as money and gift cards. Giving back is something that Dawdy has always been passionate about. “I believe it’s important to look out for one another and this Pandemic is no exception. People need support more now than ever. Whether it’s due to job loss, mental health or lack of resources we are always looking for ways to help others through JCMakes a Difference.”
If you are looking for ways to help, consider your skill set and how you can put your talents to good use. Nadeen Morano, a photographer from the Severn Township area near Barrie, did some social distancing photography in exchange for food donations which went to the Salvation Army’s local chapter in Orillia. “Families from Afar is a program I put together to help the community. I arrived at a family home, took photos of them from a distance and in return they left a bag of food that I then donated. It is important as there has been a great need locally.”