3 ways Concordians are helping their communities amid COVID-19
Concordia students are delivering emergency food baskets. | Photo: Concordia Farmers’ Market (Facebook)
From balcony concerts in Italy and the UK’s “clap for our carers” campaign to this week's call-out for volunteers in Quebec — people around the world are finding new ways to connect and support each other.
Concordians are among them. Students, staff, faculty and alumni are joining together with their neighbours to face COVID-19’s unprecedented challenges.
Here are three of the first projects that came to our attention.
Do you know of other Concordia-connected support initiatives? Please contact us at socialmedia.alumni@concordia.ca so we can share their stories, too.
1. Emergency food baskets
The Concordia Farmers’ Market has been preparing free emergency food baskets for those in need — among Concordia students, and the wider community.
Within four hours of launching the initiative, the team received 250 requests for baskets. In order to keep up with demand, they need help increasing their resources. Here's how to get involved.
2. Concordia Students’ Nightline
The Concordia Students’ Nightline is an anonymous, confidential, non-judgemental listening service for those seeking support or just someone to talk to. It is run by dedicated student volunteers who keep their own identity anonymous as well.
After Quebec universities closed earlier in March, the team created a new temporary number so that the service can remain available. Concordia students can speak to someone by calling 438-812-6484 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, from 6 p.m. until 3 a.m.
To lend an ear, email Katie Broad, coordinator of Concordia’s LIVE Centre.
3. Wellness check-ins with isolated seniors
The Concordia LIVE Centre is partnering with community organizations to create a remote volunteer program where Concordians make regular phone calls to seniors.
These wellness check-ins aim to break social isolation for the vulnerable population, which has been mandated to stay at home as much as possible. Remote volunteers are needed — contact Katie Broad to sign up.
Within the Concordia community, a current area of need is the economic, physical and mental well-being of our students. If you can, please consider making a donation.
And if you're participating in COVID volunteer efforts, don't forget to tell us: socialmedia.alumni@concordia.ca.