The Editor,
As Tri-City residents are staying close to home, adhering to physical distancing guidelines and learning to work and socialize virtually, Tri-City non-profits are doing the same with the added pressure of knowing that now, when they are needed more than ever, the COVID-19 pandemic could render them incapable of fulfilling their mandates.
Non-profits in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, provide respite for families coping with mental illness, offer refuge for women fleeing domestic violence, help refugees and new immigrants learn English — the list goes on. They operate with some government funding but, mostly, rely on the generous support of Tri-City residents.
Take the 10-bed Inlet Centre Hospice. It’s currently running at capacity and remains open, providing compassionate care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. But the Crossroads Thrift Store, which raises the money to pay for bereavement counselling, music and art therapy, support groups and so on, has had to close during the pandemic.
It's not just Crossroads Hospice Society that is affected; many other non-profits are experiencing a drop in donations as volunteers are forced to stay home and fundraising galas, hikes and runs are cancelled.
It’s easy to think that in a month or two, things will return to normal — whatever "normal" will look like — but for charities such as Crossroads, the recovery may take longer. Our thrift store is a major source of funds for the hospice, and while the Hike for Hospice, which last year raised $46,600, has moved online and is now a virtual fundraiser, we have no clear idea as to whether it will generate similar amounts of money.
As we learn to navigate our strange and turbulent new world, it’s good to remember what actually makes people feel happy. Among health, social supports and the freedom to make life choices is generosity, at least according to the United Nations World Happiness Report. Assuming this to be true, now is a good time to practise generosity and create some happiness — for yourself and others.
We’re inspired by Port Moody businesses such as Rocky Point Ice Cream, Daniel Chocolates and Casa Del Pane that continue to support the hospice despite the challenges they are facing.
If you have enough to eat, make a donation to Share Family and Community Services' food bank so someone else can eat, too.
If you want to show appreciation to health care workers, make a donation to the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation for much needed equipment.
If you want to support victims of domestic abuse, go online and donate to Tri-City Transitions Society.
If you have a favourite charity — YMCA, SPCA, New View Society, Douglas College Foundation, Talitha Koum Society or some other worthy organization — now is the time to show your support. At the same time, you will experience that feeling of happiness that comes with caring for others and knowing that your generosity is making someone else’s life a little bit easier.
And if you want to have fun, join Crossroads' virtual Hike for Hospice and challenge your friends, families and neighbours. From now to May 3 you can register by visiting hike4hospice.ca and help us raise money so we can continue to provide compassionate support and end-of-life care.
Jill Cook, Interim Executive Director, Crossroads Hospice Society
