Revelstoke Responds to COVID-19
The novel covid-19 pandemic made it’s unanticipated appearance at the end of what was going to be a record winter for the community of Revelstoke. Revelstoke would not be spared as it went into a 2+ month lockdown of most businesses. It is during the most difficult times we see incredible acts of courage, thoughtfulness, care and generosity. Residents and businesses stepped up whether it was face masks sewn by a group of volunteer seamstresses, the manufacture of hand/surface disinfectants, people helping making deliveries of groceries and other supplies, production of face shields and neck guards for health personnel, or window visits to shut-ins at the extended care. There were many of these wonderful heartwarming stories throughout our community.
At an early part of the pandemic there was an acute shortage of personal protection equipment (PPE) for health personnel. A local business, Shade Sails, was contacted by local physicians and asked if they could help manufacture neck guards for medical personnel. The hospital would provide the proper material and Shade Sails would cut and sew the neck guards. Shade Sails produced 126 neck guards. Shade Sails made a donation of the labor to manufacture 40 masks. A local company, Speers Construction stepped forward and made a donation of $1001.73 to help pay for the balance of the cost of manufacture. The collaboration between Shade Sails and Speers Construction meant medical personnel could safely carry on their work on their patients protecting themselves as well as those around them. We thank these businesses who stepped up to help protect our community.
In early April, the Revelstoke Community Foundation created the Revelstoke Relief and Recovery fund to help address acute and also future problems caused by the covid-19 pandemic. Their first initiative was to provide grants to non-profit organizations for the purchase of PPE (hand sanitizers, gloves, masks, etc) to protect staff as well as their clients. PPE will be essential to help reduce the risk of a resurgence of covid-19 in our community. The Revelstoke & District Health Foundation collaborated with the Revelstoke Community Foundation to provide $2600 each for a total $5200. Non profit organizations wanting access to these funds need to contact the Revelstoke Community Foundation by phone 250-814-3915 or via email at info@revelstokecommunityfoundation.com.
Lastly, our sincere gratitude to all the front line essential workers and volunteers who remained working during the pandemic to keep our community safe, allow public to access basic services and our homes comfortable.
Shade Sail for Mt Cartier Court
Mount Cartier received a wonderful addition to the courtyard at Cottage A over the summer. A Shade Sail was constructed. The total project cost was $22,243 including 3 years of takedown/set up service donated by Shade Sails Canada ($1,200 value). Donations to the project came from The Revelstoke Hospital Auxiliary with $9,000, the Revelstoke Credit Union’s Community Giving Program with another $9,000 and the Revelstoke District Health Foundation (RDHF) with $4,243 (50% – $2121 of the RDHF donation came from the Mount Cartier Fund). The timing of the completion could not have been better. The residents at Mount Cartier Court had been on a very restrictive lockdown because of the pandemic. The restrictions were relaxed at end of August and the residents were delighted to enjoy some fresh air and enjoy the garden at the courtyard. They could have tea/coffee/snacks and small gatherings which much improved the quality of their life. The Health Foundation would like to recognize the Revelstoke Credit Union, The Revelstoke Hospital Auxiliary and Shade Sails Canada. Special recognition to Pauline Baird and her sister Ann Ratchford. Pauline and Ann organized an annual raffle for many years to raise monies for the Mount Cartier Court Fund to allow purchases of services and items that added to the safety and quality of life of residents who lived there. Our most sincere thanks to all of you for your generosity and for caring!