While many people have spent the last few days self-isolating and hoarding toilet paper, a local family and a local councillor have been doing what they can to help others.
Stephane Therrien has been volunteering his time with the David Busby Centre in Barrie for the past six years. When news of the COVID-19 pandemic hit the news, his first instinct was to ask what he could do to help.
“Somebody has to step up,” he said. “We don’t want to live in fear. We have to be wise and smart about it, but these people need help more than we do.”
Starting today, and for the next week, he and his family have opened up their sun room at 10 Speirs Rd. in Barrie as a drop-off location for non-perishable food items to go to the David Busby Centre, as the centre has had to suspend their drop-off program as part of their COVID-19 response plan.
“They are an amazing family who love to support their community in creative ways,” said Sara Peddle, executive director of the David Busby Centre.
Non-perishable food items can include pasta, pasta sauce, soups, rice, canned vegetables, meal replacement beverages and bars, peanut butter, coffee, sugar, cereal, powered milk, juice and canned meats.
Frozen meats are also accepted, as there is a cooler with ice packs in the sun room.
Clothing donations will not be accepted at this time.
The Busby Centre also asks that if you drop off a donation, you leave a note with contact information so they can send a thank-you.
Ward 9 Coun. Sergio Morales has also stepped up to the plate to do what he can, offering on his Facebook page to deliver groceries to any resident who is a senior or autoimmune-compromised during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m a 20-something male. I can go out and do these things, so I’m happy to help,” said Morales.
Morales said that any resident who fits these criteria and would like some help to reach out to him on Facebook through a private message. So far, he said he has received one inquiry.
He also reminds residents to keep up-to-date on advice coming from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and the province to guide interactions.
“Listen to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, as well as Government of Canada, as things change by the day,” said Morales.
For updates on food donations for the David Busby Centre, follow them on Facebook here.
