It seems wherever you look in Bradford, people are coming together to support front line workers in any way they can.
Over the weekend, The Bradford Lions delivered coffee to the staff at Bradford Valley Care Community and local restaurant Poleiro's BBQ has teamed up with various local businesses for the Donate a Dinner program to help feed front line workers throughout the month of April.
Most recently, a PPE drive was started by well-known community volunteer Debbie Viveiros, who also spearheaded the Donate a Dinner program. Many of those same sponsors and others have stepped in to help with the new PPE drive.
"It’s important to be part of the solution," said Viveiros.
After learning of the COVID-19 outbreak at Bradford Valley Care Community long-term care facility last week and learning that staff were in need of more N95 masks, Viveiros felt compelled to help.
She got on the phone to connect with a supplier, then reached out to her fellow local business owners to see if they would help source and fund the first order of N95 masks for Bradford Valley Care Community.
"With the right team, these types of initiatives can be put together quickly and efficiently," explained Viveiros. "As entrepreneurs, we have the experience to think outside the box and rally the troops."
Sponsors for this program include Viveiors of Mortgage Edge, Doreen Johnston of Good Health Matters, John Pirri of J&S Cleaning Solutions, Leanne Newton-Mason of Knowledge First Financial, Jaclyn DeMelo from ReMax, and Anastasia Orlando of Town Queens Real Estate.
"It's hard to sit back and do nothing when you have it within you to try and help," said Newton-Mason. "There is, in my opinion, NO reason that front line workers shouldn't have the required protection in order to do their jobs. The unfortunate reality is the lack of resources. Our campaign is designed to find those resources and provide the necessities to keep our own community safe. It makes sense to help."
"We really want our front line care givers to be and feel protected. The masks are what they need," added Johnston.
Pirri is spending countless hours trying to source masks and negotiate better prices for the group.
"As Bradford's only cleaning supply store we felt like we needed to step in and help with sourcing out PPE with our regular contacts," he said. "I knew it was going to be a tough job considering certain masks are not available for purchase." With much effort, he was able to secure both N95 and similar KN95 masks.
So far, the team of sponsors and their supporters have raised a total of $1,230 and were able to purchase 188 N95 masks for Bradford Valley Care Community, and other front line workers in need.
But they need more help.
Viveiros and her team are doing all they can to get the word out in the community and encourage anyone to donate N95 masks they may have lying around at home or work.
"Many people still have them (N95 masks) in the garage and don't realize this is what is needed. We got some from construction guys who had boxes in their garage," explained Viveiros. Some had even donated a similar model mask, KN95 which the staff members were happy to accept.
The team has their own chat group with staff from Bradford Valley Care Community where they communicate on what supplies are needed for each floor of the facility.
"Thank you for looking for the masks for Bradford Valley. My mom and all the other workers appreciate it more than they can say," said Melissa Melo, whose mother works at the facility.
"Thank you so much, it helps us all workers feel protected," said staff member Liza De Sousa.
"I love Bradford. It’s my home and health care workers are leading the fight to keep us safe. I’m prepared to do my part to support them," said Viveiros.
The group is about to place their third order of 250 masks but are short by $200. Anyone looking help support the cause is encouraged to send a suggested $10 monetary donation by e-transfer to [email protected].
You can also follow the campaign and get daily updates on orders on the group's Facebook page here.
