A Prince George based Facebook group, aiming to help seniors and individuals with compromised immune systems pick up essential items during the Covid-19 pandemic, has sprung up online.
“Covid PG Volunteers for All” was created March 13, one day after major closures and curtailments were announced across the city, province, and country in an effort to stop the spread of the virus.
The group is still in its early stages, but it is now close to 500 members, most of them volunteers.
Local residents report that grocery stores are in short supply of items like disinfectant wipes, toilet paper, Tylenol and hand sanitizer.
“I was getting a little bit worried about toilet paper because, by the time I get my cheque, there won’t be any out there to be had!” said Ken, 73.
Ken is living with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and gets his pension cheque once a month.
He saw a post offering to pick up and drop off groceries for seniors, so he commented on it.
“I use Facebook to keep me company as I said, I’m 73 years old, in an apartment by myself. I play my games on it, I don’t have a family but I talk to friends and make comments on things that I know something about.”
“It made me feel like someone cares for a change.”
Later that same day, Meagan Moulder, the woman who posted the original callout, dropped by with a care package for him.
Moulder herself has made several housecalls, dropping off things like fresh produce, baby wipes, dry goods and toilet paper.
“I just tell people to do something kind for someone else, if they insist on paying me back in some sort of way,” she explained.
“I never expected anything like this. I’m basically blown away from it, are you kidding? Nobody does stuff like this!” smiled Ken.
Ken admitted he wasn’t sure if it would work, but he’s glad it did.
“To me, it meant a lot when Meagan came through with what she said and did, and I’m sure there are others out there who feel the same,” said Ken.
“For us old folks out there who can’t do anything, it’s an eyeopener,”
The creator of the group didn’t anticipate the success, either.
“I want to just create a positive environment where people can come together,” explained Erin Weyman.
“People are turning the fear into positivity, and a desire to help our neighbours and our communities.”
She says plans are in place to connect the group with local senior centres.
The group doesn’t just harbour requests, it’s also a place for information sharing, according to another volunteer.
“I don’t mean to sound corny or anything like that, but it’s like that quote, in times of panic and times of uncertainty, if you are ever scared, look for the helpers,” said Crystal Beddome.
Find a link to the group here:
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