One month ago I reached out to some of my friends around the globe who are originally from the “604” area to see how they’re doing during the COVID-19 pandemic. I decided to do a follow up Q&A to see how they’re all doing several weeks after our chat…
Vancouverites in Isolation Elsewhere: Patricia on Salt Spring Island
Since we last spoke, how have restrictions changed in your city?
Safe-distancing has become more formalized with floor markings for safe distancing at store cashiers, and limited number of people in stores. The worst change was the closing of BC Parks (we have 4 big ones) and Salt Spring Conservancy lands. But so far CRD parks have stayed open, and we can still easily be in nature, which is a real comfort.
BC Ferries eliminated the route from the mainland to Salt Spring, which was a pretty big change! You can still travel to the mainland but need to make a connection at Swartz Bay. They had closed the golf course too, but happily for my husband (and thus me), it has opened again with a lot of precautions in place.
While many of us working from home might be tempted to stay in stretchy pants during COVID-19 isolation, the symbolism of putting on some jeans to face the wider world is that much greater when you think about kids at BC Children’s Hospital.
By wearing jeans this May, you can help kids get out of their hospital gowns and back into their jeans.
It’s Time to #JeanUp for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation
Every year, over 93,000 kids count on the specialized care provided at BC Children’s Hospital. By wearing jeans and donating, your support will fund everything from innovative research and equipment to specialized care that’s tailored to the unique needs of kids.
As the only children’s hospital in the province, tens of thousands of kids who visit the hospital each year count on the care provided here to undergo highly specialized surgery, endure chemotherapy to treat a rare form of cancer, or receive physiotherapy to recover from an injury.
During these trying and uncertain times with COVID-19, health care providers at BC Children’s continue to do what they’ve always done—ensure kids and families get the expert care they need. But this pandemic has made their difficult jobs even harder.
By participating this May, you can make a difference. Your support will help health care providers respond to these rapidly evolving needs, while they continue to deliver the best possible care to kids so they can get back into their jeans sooner.
Whether you’re a company, school or individual, pick a day that works for you. Then, on that day, proudly wear your jeans and virtual sticker and tag @bcchf on social media to show your support.
Whitecaps It Takes a Village Artwork in Support of the Food Bank
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that they have joined forces with internationally-recognized local artist Carson Ting who has created It Takes A Village, a unique and inspirational piece commemorating Vancouver’s 7:00pm ovation for healthcare workers, emergency responders, city employees, store clerks, supply chain workers and all who have been working tirelessly on the frontlines of the pandemic.
100% of the proceeds from every print sold will be contributed to help address the Greater Vancouver Food Bank’s unprecedented demand.
The club will also be gifting a print to each of its #FrontlineHeroes, who are recognized nightly across Whitecaps FC social media channels.
The uplifting scene also features BC’s own provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and expert sign-language interpreter Nigel Howard, who have been guiding British Columbians through the uncertainty since the pandemic began. Local celebrities Ryan Reynolds, Seth Rogen and Steve Nash can also be spotted in the artwork.
I’m deeply inspired by our city’s collective energy, unity and positivity,” said Ting. “Before this project, I was thinking of ways that my skill-set could be used to support our courageous frontline workers during these difficult times. When I got the call from Whitecaps FC about this initiative, I was all in.”
Local production company Kindred & Scout donated their energy and creativity to create a video that features ‘Caps forward Tosaint Ricketts and community cheers across Vancouver. Hemlock Printers and Hemlock Harling also supported the food bank in a big way, donating their resources to print and distribute the artwork to donors.
Each of the 24” x 18” art pieces can be purchased online for a minimum of $30 plus tax and shipping. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank will issue tax receipts approximately six weeks after each donation.
“We are truly grateful to be included in this artistic tribute to COVID-19 frontline heroes,” said Greater Vancouver Food Bank chief operating officer Cynthia Boulter. “Our staff and volunteers are working continuously to ensure we can provide healthy food each week to those in need across the Lower Mainland.”
At this time of year, as BC Youth Week‘s longstanding social media partner, I would be scrolling through dozens of events all scheduled for May 1-7, 2020. Due to COVID-19, BC Youth Week will look quite different this year but a handful of organizations have found clever ways to continue to celebrate and engage with youth through online initiatives. Here’s a list of Coquitlam events happening online:
BC Youth Week: Coquitlam Events Happening Online
A message from the Mayor of Coquitlam: “…From May 1 to 7, let’s all make some time to cheer on our youth. Right now, the milestones and celebrations that connect our community are more important than ever, and there is no better reason to rejoice in the contributions of our young people and future leaders.
In keeping with Youth Week, I’d like to focus on our local young people for this week’s round of shout-outs.
Kudos to the talented Dani Black, a 16-year-old musician who raised more than $17,000 for food banks while entertaining home-bound residents through her Music for Meals online concert in April.
I’d also like to acknowledge our Youth Council, which meets every two weeks – and continues to do so now, online – to create awareness about youth issues and to plan activities and opportunities to give back.
I want to acknowledge students at Glen Eagle High School who are putting their music towards their cause – the Downtown Eastside COVID-19 response.
And a shout-out also goes out to Coquitlam’s many youth volunteers, who keep coming back every year to help out with our programs. The City wouldn’t be able to offer everything we do without their hard work and support.
With creative, caring and enthusiastic youth like these, our future is in good hands. So we ask everyone to stay safe, flatten the curve and this week, let’s do it while celebrating our youth.” [Read the full message]
May 1, 2020: Photo Challenge Get inspired with daily photo prompts and create your own collection of photos throughout the entire month of May.
May 2, 2020: Scavenger Hunt Follow daily clues on social media to find painted rocks placed in Coquitlam’s hidden gem parks. Each rock has a clue painted on it. Arrange the clues to reveal a secret word.
May 3, 2020: Sundae Funday Get creative and make your own delicious masterpiece to indulge in with your virtual youth leader.
May 4, 2020: Virtual Hip Hop Learn a hip hop routine from your virtual youth leader
May 6, 2020: Walk About Wednesday Let’s get some exercise! Walking is great for physical and mental health, and there are multiple parks and trails to enjoy in Coquitlam.
May 7, 2020: Tri-City REACH Awards Ceremony Tune in for the virtual awards ceremony and celebrate youth who made contributions to positively benefit others, the community and the environment.
What makes BC Youth Week so great is that it’s for youth, by youth, and it’s encouraging to see this community celebration persevere. Follow BC Youth Week on Facebook and Instagram for more info.
Nothing compares to the one-liners my husband rolls over and speaks to me first thing in the morning as I rub the sleep out of my eyes. Sometimes it’s about world or family news, other times it’s an announcement that he’s going to go for a run. This past week it was, quite matter-of-factly: “Bandcamp is waiving its cut of sales to support artists on May 1st.” He pulled off the covers and stretched before walking out of the room.
Bandcamp is Waiving Its Cut of Sales to Support Artists on May 1st
