As the effects of COVID-19 continue to unfold, our local neighbourhoods and the global community are affected in ways that many have never experienced. One thing is for sure though: This is a shared experience felt around the world. It is one of the rare moments in history that has triggered a domestic emergency in Canada as well as a demand for increased foreign aid.
This is where you come in.
Together, let’s use our voices to reach our friends, the media, and Members of Parliament to thank essential workers in Canada while also defending global health security, vaccine access, and strong economies around the world.
For the latest information on the COVID-19 crisis in Canada, please refer to the Government of Canada’s website.
Stories of hope from our community
We asked ONE’s global community for their stories of hope and solidarity. Here are two from our community.
Since the announcement of the pandemic, I feel like I’m in a war against an invisible enemy. As an owner-pharmacist, I do everything that I can to find the balance between providing my patients with essential medicine and the responsibility of protecting my team. As a ONE volunteer, this pandemic proves the need to intensify the research on a vaccine and to continue to promote vaccine access to the most vulnerable. Together, we can win the fight against COVID-19.
– Nathalie Lemay, owner-pharmacist and ONE Parliamentary Riding Leader, Canada.
As a medical student, I have witnessed firsthand some of the inspiring and incredible work done by healthcare workers across Canada to protect us all. I am also hosting information sessions and sharing resources with those most at risk, such as women and children living in domestic violence shelters. As a ONE activist, I believe that more than ever, this is our time to work together to fight against diseases like COVID-19 to make sure that everyone can lead a life of dignity and opportunity.
— Jeenan Kaiser, Medical Student and ONE volunteer, Canada
Do you have an uplifting story that you’d like to share?
How you can help locally
Charities and nonprofits are on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Food banks are in high demand and online donations are encouraged. Here’s a resource to help you find a food bank near you. You can also find opportunities to volunteer virtually or in communities across Canada. Finally, here’s more information on a sustainability campaign for Canada’s charitable sector that many international development organizations are supporting.
Resources and recommended reading
In order to fight this pandemic, we all need to do our part. That means:
- Understanding physical distancing according to Health Canada‘s requirements
- Stopping misinformation
- Handwashing properly
- Follow proper prevention guidelines from Health Canada
We’ve also put together a list of resources for at-home activism — from ways to stay involved from home, to online activism classes and online museums. And here are some tips if you’re working from home. During this time of self-isolation, some individuals might find themselves victim of family violence with nowhere else to go. Here’s a resource on how to get help.
You can also catch up on our latest blog coverage: Here’s why we need a global response to this global pandemic — and how we can achieve that. Here are key facts to know, and what we can learn from the pandemic. We’ve also rounded up 5 major health organisations taking action globally against COVID-19.
If you’re looking for something useful to watch, here’s how exactly soap kills the coronavirus and some safe grocery shopping tips.
