The outbreak of COVID-19 has had an impact on all of us. Many have found their normal lives upended by online classes and / or the struggle to move back home earlier than expected. Some of us have been separated from our loved ones and are experiencing heightened anxiety surrounding the health of ourselves and that of our friends and families. Others are struggling to make ends meet or are living in situations that have been made more precarious by local governmental orders across the globe to stay inside.
In a time of crisis — especially one where we all must stay indoors — sometimes it feels like we are powerless to change anything. For those McGillians who are used to volunteering or being involved in the community, and for those who feel a desire to do what they can to help, The Bull & Bear is providing a list of resources to provide aid and relief to others.
Montreal Student Initiative for COVID-19 Response and Relief
Montreal Student Initiative for COVID-19 Response and Relief is a team of students coordinating to provide and deliver free grocery and materials to those in need. They have been organizing virtual book clubs and other mental health resources to help with the stresses of isolation, and defending McGill student interests in coordination with university administration.
What you can do to get involved:
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- Making donations via Ko-Fi or via Paypal and Interac e-transfers to student.coronavirus.relief@gmail.com.
- The organization isn’t able to accept more volunteers at this time to deliver material aid, but they are accepting volunteers for their virtual care team.
- There is a listserv that provides details about volunteer opportunities.
- Checking out their website and Facebook page for a link to other organizations in need of volunteers.
Mission Old Brewery
An organization which provides shelter and emergency resources as well as mental health support to homeless individuals, this shelter is needed now more than ever due to governmental regulations requiring people to stay indoors. Individuals who live on the street have a weakened immune response and are generally more susceptible to contracting illness.
What you can do to get involved:
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- As of now, they are not able to accept more in-person volunteers to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
- They are accepting in-kind donations including new and unused socks and underwear, hand sanitizer and other disinfecting products, protective face masks, and fresh fruit and sliced bread for meal services. All donations can be dropped off at 915 Clark Street and left at the door.
- Make a personal donation via this secure form
- Launch an online fundraising platform either on Facebook or on their platform “Make It Happen”
- Follow them on social media and raise awareness
Moisson Montréal
Moisson Montréal is one of the largest food banks in Canada, distributing to hundreds of smaller organizations on the island of Montréal. They function primarily through the support of material donations, but they are also accepting monetary donations at this time.
What you can do to get involved:
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- Moisson Montréal is in need of 85 volunteers a day to provide their services. In order to limit the spread of the virus, only 10 people will be assigned to any work station at a time. To register as a volunteer, you can email benevolat@moissonmontreal.org
- Food donations of more than 100 kg can be donated.
- To have your donation picked up via free service, email Stéphane Wells at swells@moissonmontreal.org or call 514-344-4494 ex.302
- If you can drop off your donation, email collecte@moissonmontreal.org or call 514-344-4494 ex.242 to schedule an appointment and receive more details on drop-off locations.
- Monetary donations are being accepted as well
- You can use this online form: https://www.imakeanonlinedonation.org/moissonmontreal/
- You can contact Serena Hernandez at don@moissonmontreal.org or call 514-344-4494 ex.222.
WHO Covid-19 Relief Fund
The World Health Organization (WHO) is accepting donations from all over the world to help governments prevent and fight the spread of the disease and hospitals to provide aid to those in critical condition.
- What you can do to get involved
- Donate to the WHO COVID 19 Relief Fund via this form: https://covid19responsefund.org/
