Hello Wellington Village,
It's been a little while since we last communicated with you; like everyone else, we've been adjusting to life with the Covid-19 pandemic. We hope that everyone is healthy, safe and staying at home (if you can). We want to commend and thank the amazing front-line workers who are committed to helping others during this pandemic.
From medical staff, first responders, those working at grocery stores, pharmacies, and all essential businesses, we thank you for your continued dedication to serving others. People have been coming up with some creative ways to show their appreciation for health care workers and other essential service workers including cheering on their front yard and writing messages and leaving teddy bears in their front windows. Unfortunately, there have been reports of unkind behaviour towards some essential service workers. Many people are under extreme stress and feelings of anxiety and fear can bring out the worst in people but it's extremely important to be kind to one another. A smile and a thank you can go a long way.
If you're looking for ways to help others (other than practicing physical/social distancing and staying at home), Jeff Leiper's office has compiled a list of volunteers (https://kitchissippiward.ca/content/ward-volunteer-call-out) so you may want to check in with his office for more information. There's also Volunteer Ottawa that you could look into (see more information in post below). The Parkdale Food Centre (https://parkdalefoodcentre.ca/) is a tremendous resource in our greater community. Unfortunately, they were forced to temporarily close down operations last week. Hopefully, they will be running again soon. If volunteering is not possible for you right now, giving a monetary donation is always welcomed and is greatly needed at this time.
One of things we all love about Wellington Village is the wonderful shops, restaurants and businesses we have in the neighbourhood. Sadly, our small businesses are really struggling right now. The Wellington West BIA (https://wellingtonwest.ca/) has been working hard to communicate how the community is impacted by the closure, or part closure, of so many businesses. We strongly encourage you to look for ways to continue to support your favourite businesses. Shop local for your groceries and supplies if you can and think about the kind of community we want when this is all over.
Other ways to connect with neighbours or offer services are: joining or setting up a Facebook group; chatting with friends and neighbours over Zoom or Facetime; joining Nextdoor neighbourhood hub or Caremongering Ottawa.
If you don't already receive Councilor Leiper's newsletter we strongly encourage you to subscribe. He has been doing a wonderful job of informing residents of any new developments. http://kitchissippiward.ca/
As you know, this is a rapidly changing event so for the quickest source of information you can follow the Ottawa Public Health on Twitter at: @ottawahealth or @OttawaSante
the Kitchissippi Ward at: @KitchissippiOtt
or the WVCA at: @theWVCA
Sorry for yet another long-winded email about Covid-19 but we hope that, at least some of this, was helpful to you. If you have any questions or ideas about how to support our community further, please reach out to the WVCA at president@wvca.ca
Wishing you and your families health and happiness.
Kimberly Patriquin
President, Wellington Village Community Association
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