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.
https://sjcses.blogspot.com/p/donate.html
Tax receipts for one-time donations will be emailed immediately.