How the world has changed for all of us in a few short weeks. For the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Cathexis team has moved to fully remote work, which for us means loads of virtual meetings and much more time spent with our pets, kids, and houseplants.
In the midst of the upheaval and uncertainty, we’ve noticed our clients — who are amazing all through the year — are doing some extra awesome stuff to help out during COVID-19. Below, we’ve rounded up some stand-out works that are making a difference. We hope you’ll find something in this list to get behind.
Stocking food banks
More and more Canadians are drawing on their local food banks to get them through this tough time. Food Banks Canada is using its bulk buying power and distribution networks to ensure that the over 650 local food banks and 2,500 community agencies they serve can continue to help food-insecure Canadians. Click to donate now.
Feeding hungry kids
With school on hiatus, low-income students don’t have the same access to meal programs that deliver them free, nutritious meals during the school year. Our client, Food4Kids, normally sends kids home from school with nutritious meals for the weekend. Now, they’re mailing gift cards direct to kids homes, to help cover the costs of groceries. To donate, visit their website.
Supporting caregivers through tough times
We’ve highlighted here on our blog how Ontario caregivers now have the resources and support of a provincial organization. Now the organization is hosting facilitated virtual support groups for caregivers during COVID-19. The online drop-in sessions meet several times a week, so caregivers can safely practice physical distancing while connecting with others who are going through similar challenges.
Expanding worlds
It can be tough to unglue ourselves from the news these days, but Hot Docs is making it easier to find some juicy documentaries to sink our teeth into. They’ve assembled a list of documentary films being featured as part of their Docs For Schools program, which provides educators with free access to films relevant to Grade 7-12 curriculum. Now, they’ve turned it into an at home program that can be accessed by anyone. The list is being updated weekly and each film listed comes with accompanying links and resources, so if you’re homeschooling or just looking to branch out your film viewing, you’ll want to bookmark this.
Connecting with community builders
E180, the makers behind braindate, which helps industry peers connect in-person at events for powerful conversations, has launched Virtual Braindates as a way to bring people and ideas together while physically distancing. If you’re an event organizer whose event has been turned on its head by COVID-19, reserve a spot now for a braindate during their virtual event on Apr 2 to see how Virtual Braindates could be the solution!
Is your organization doing something rad to help out during COVID-19? Send us an email to get it listed here.