From makers of non-medical masks, to drivers offering to get people to appointments to people assembling care kits for first responders, Hope and area has had no shortage of projects started by residents to make life a little easier during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Now, these projects are able to get help in the form of funding from the United Way. Marion Baker, recently hired on as a community builder with the organization, said there is around $2,000 per month total available in grants for individuals from Hope up to Boston Bar to apply to.
The funding can go to costs such as mask-making supplies, gas, or other expenses for their COVID-19 related initiatives, not to compensate volunteer hours. It could also be a community-related project to get people out during the pandemic – for example, one resident is organizing a six-week youth program and has applied for a grant for food and crafting equipment.
“It’s individuals helping individuals, it’s not money that organizations can apply for,” Baker said. The grant project will go on until the end of December, she added.
Baker has also been working on connecting people who need assistance, as well as those wanting to lend a hand, during the pandemic. Help has included grabbing groceries,mowing lawns and even filling a bird feeder 300 kilometres from Hope.
The unique request came in from a Hope resident who worried the bird feeder at her father’s nursing home in 100 Mile House wasn’t being filled. “His entertainment and people’s entertainment is this bird feeder, but the staff is too busy to fill the bird feeder,” the woman told Baker.
“So I just put out a scope in 100 Mile and the next thing you know, their bird feeders are filled,” Baker said, adding it was through social media she was able to fulfill this request.
For anyone who needs assistance or would like to give their time as a volunteer, or for questions about the grant, they can reach Baker at 604-802-6457 or marionb@uwlm.ca.
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emelie.peacock@hopestandard.com