Wednesday, 29 April 2020

How are we operating under COVID-19 conditions?



The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in governments the world over imposing restrictions on society's social contacts with varying degrees of strictness resulting in hardship for everyone, but particularly the poor, the vulnerable, and those already isolated and alone - the very people to whom the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is called to assist.
So, how are we managing to do that here in this part of York Region, given the restraints and constraints of 'lockdowns', isolation and physical distancing? Louisa, our local conference president, has answered this question in a post written for the parish website of St. John Chrysostom Church here in Newmarket.

Dear Fellow Parishioners.

We continue to pray that you will all remain safe and healthy during this challenging time and Thank You for your continuing financial support in spite of the isolation. 

For many, food insecurity and isolation are not new and the need continues during this pandemic.
The eager response from the dedicated volunteers of your conference here in Newmarket, urging us to find a way to continue providing food assistance and hope to the families at risk in our community, inspired us to come up with a safe alternative. The safeguards we have put in place avoid any contact with those we serve as well as between our fellow Vincentians and maintain social distancing. 

Our weekly program of distributing food gift cards continues, off premises, with Vincentian pairs, in separate vehicles, dropping off the cards to homes, at pre-arranged times and maintaining social distancing between Vincentians and the families we deliver to. 

The Good Food Box program continues as well and is now being offered twice a month, up to 70 boxes per month at a cost of $15/box  (the cost covered by your donations to our Society of St. Vincent de Paul.) Those who are able to, pick their box up directly from the York Region Food Network, and, for those who can’t, our dedicated volunteers deliver safely to their homes, again in pairs, at pre-arranged times while maintaining social distancing. 

We are so very grateful to our wonderful Vincentians who are all playing their important roles during this challenging time and ask for your prayers to keep them and the families we serve safe and healthy. 

You can donate online to the Newmarket conference:
https://sjcses.blogspot.com/p/donate.html
Tax receipts for one-time donations will be emailed immediately.