Local Lions Clubs have been looking for ways to support their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
District A-12, which includes Bradford as well as Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Bracebridge and Parry Sound, has just received a $10,000 U.S. grant from Lions Clubs International Foundation, to provide emergency community support.
Top of the list, said District Governor Jamie Jones, is providing assistance to frontline health care providers, nurses and other support workers.
Initially, the Lions had thought about providing personal protective equipment – but that’s in high demand, and the clubs have no intention of competing with the health system to acquire needed masks or gloves.
Instead, the clubs are looking at other ways of providing support.
The Bradford Lions have partnered with the local McDonald’s Restaurant, which donated 40 serving trays for use at Bradford Valley Care Community. Plans are now to deliver coffee and muffins to staff and front-line workers at the long term care facility, at the end of each morning and afternoon shift - using the Club's own fundraising dollars, not the LCIF donation.
“We’ll be distributing coffee and muffins, on a daily basis,” Jones said.
The plan is to pick up the coffee and treats at the McDonald’s drive-through window, paid for by the Lions, and deliver the refreshments twice a day, “keeping our safe distancing.”
The Lions plan to start with Bradford Valley, but hope to extend the service to other homes and care facilities over the coming weeks.
There is also a plan to make a "one time run for Southlake," distributing a "wish list" of coffee and treats for health care workers, Jones said.
Bradford Lions Chuck Skitch noted that a number of people have already responded on Facebook, asking how they can assist the effort.
"We're not looking for donations," Skitch said, but anyone would would like to contribute to the 'Coffee and treats for Careworkers' campaign, can mail a contribution to the Bradford Lions Club, P.O. Box 116, Bradford ON, L3Z 2A7 - just marking the contribution, "COVID-19."
