A message from the We Love Willowdale group…
Hi Neighbours,
I hope you and your families are keeping well during this difficult time. I am writing to you on behalf of We Love Willowdale and the Willowdale Covid Response Network that has emerged in our community. The vision for this network is simply a picture of neighbours helping neighbours. For some of us, this is easy to do as we are well connected to those who live in our midst - especially those who are leaders like yourselves. However, the reality for many members of our community is that they do not know their neighbours.
Our goal is not to replace any of the services that have arisen - but to be a connector. While we hope this crisis will end quickly, the timelines is still up in the air, and the needs of community members will likely intensify as people encounter financial, mental health, and health challenges. At the same time, we want to encourage all seniors and those who are vulnerable to reduce their risk, by allowing neighbours to help them get their groceries. Although there are many online services, many are fully booked, and many seniors also do not have a credit care or web savvy to navigate these platforms.
Our team of volunteers has put together a process and protocol to help us serve the neighbourhood as safely as we can. Volunteer guidelines can be found here: https://www.welovewillowdale.ca/volunteer
We would like to invite you to join the network by inviting those in your midst to visit www.WeLoveWillowdale.ca. Everyone who visits the site can sign up to volunteer or to receive help. We want everyone know that our neighbourhood is here to support them - whatever they are going through.
Website Resources
A group of passionate community members has put together a great website that can serve as a resource including:
-links to all the official government channels for updates on the pandemic
-links to virtual healthcare being provided in our neighbourhood
-shopping hours at our local grocery stores - including seniors hours,
-resources for parents that are homeschooling
-information on joining teams of volunteers making homemade masks (see below for details)
-information about financial subsidies available
Blog Writing Invitation
Additionally, we would like to start a blog and are inviting community members to contribute their experiences and perspectives on all that is happening in our midst.
If you know someone in need of grocery pick up or a phone buddy, please have them fill out our intake form on our website, or they can call:
(647) 847-6164. If the needs are more complex, please reach out to us and we can work together to figure out which resources can help.