August 04, 2020

By working together and supporting each other, we are confident we will get through this; let us be kind and gentle to one another. There is no place for racism and xenophobia in our communities. We know that social distancing is an important line of defense for all us. Equally important is maintaining our connections with friends, family, and colleagues while many of us remain at home.

• If you can, please consider donating blood. It’s safe to donate during COVID-19. Canadian Blood Services is urging all donors to book and keep their appointments to prevent shortages during this critical time. To make an appointment, download the GiveBlood app, call 1 888 2-DONATE (1 888 236-6283) or book online.
• Many community members have come together to share resources, extend their hand in supporting folks who are currently in self-isolation, elderly, immunocompromised, chronically ill, or living with a disability – among other circumstances – and aren’t able to leave their homes. If you are able to provide support or know of someone who might require assistance, please consider the following support groups and resources.
  • COVID-19 Coming Together (Vancouver) Facebook Group & Website
  • Responsive Neighbourhood Small Grant Stream 
  • Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network
  • Vancouver Support Network
  • Seniors Services with Collingwood Neighbourhood House 
  • Food Support with Grandview Woodland Food Connection 
  • Volunteers Needed – Help Seniors Stay Safe
  • Asian Unification Project (Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Hindi translations available)
  • Info on Emergency Federal Support Programs by the Bảo Vệ Collective (Vietnamese translation available)
  • Support for folks leaving violence
    • VictimLinkBC 
    • Battered Women’s Support Services 
    • Ending Violence Association of BC
    • BC Housing Women’s Transition Program and Supports Program 
  • Community-based BC COVID-19 Mental Health Network – Free, short-term, one-on-one counselling. To connect with a counselor, please email bccovidtherapists@gmail.com with your name, best contact info, and availability. For volunteer, organization, agency or media inquiries, email bccovidinfo@gmail.com.

• Get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air, but please refrain from groups in any environment to prevent bringing the virus back home.
• Check in with your friends, family, and neighbours. A phone call or an online greeting can make all the difference!
• If you can, support a local business or make a donation to an organization in your neighbourhood.