Quinn Callander makes hundreds of ear guards for healthcare workers (Scouts Canada)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Giving Back

Scouts Canada launches COVID-19 help initiative

Apr 22, 2020 | 12:43 PM

Scouts Canada has launched a new initiative that encourages families and youth to stay connected and active while practicing physical distancing from others.

The Scouting at Home initiative aims to enable families to participate in thoughtful, educational, and fun activities together that develop well-rounded skills – and of course, maintain safe physical distancing.

Each week, Scouts Canada is sharing a new list of tips and activities that are easy for Scouts and non-Scouts alike to put into play at home or online. The activities encompass Scouts Canada’s principles of learning by doing, ranging from community service to STEM, and are designed to encourage physical activity, curiosity, creativity, confidence, social connection and wellbeing.

Here are eight inspiring examples of community-focused efforts Canadians can take on to help those in need. Everyone can participate, engage with friends and family to join, and encourage others to help these efforts grow.

Produce Ear Guards for Healthcare Workers – Maple Ridge Scout Quinn Callander responded to a request to make ear guards for local healthcare workers suffering from face mask pain. With his 3D printer operating 24 hours a day, he has created hundreds of ear guards and delivered them to hospitals and senior care facilities in Vancouver, across Canada, in the United States and the United Kingdom. Scouts Canada is helping distribute thousands of donated ear guards.

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Create Care Packages for At-Risk Communities – Canadians with no official residence or living in shelters are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 as they have limited opportunities to access facilities to wash their hands and are less able to practice physical distancing. The most in-demand items right now are ones we normally take for granted such as toilet paper, soap, and cleaning supplies. If you have extra supplies, consider donating them to your local shelter.

Create Hand-Washing Stations – To help encourage regular hand washing, Calgary Scout Troop 264 made simple hand wash stations using water buckets, tubes and soap dispensers at local construction sites. Hand-washing stations or hand sanitizer can also be placed on your front porch for delivery workers.

Purchase Groceries or Supplies for a Vulnerable Neighbour – There is currently an unprecedented need at food banks across Canada. Help by donating or delivering food and supplies to a neighbour who may be unable to go to the grocery store or is food insecure.

Create Thank You Cards for Healthcare Workers – Scouts across Canada are creating handmade thank you cards as a way to show appreciation to the healthcare, frontline and essential service professionals who work tirelessly every day during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure our safety, wellbeing, and keep our cities running.

Foster a Homeless Pet – COVID-19 has also had a significant impact on our furry friends, with many animal shelters in need of help to care for rescued animals. For those who have been thinking of fostering a pet, there’s no better time than now, as being at home helps to give them the care and attention they need.

Give Blood – There is always a demand for life-saving blood and plasma donations. Canadian Blood Services has strict safety protocols in place. Make an appointment and find out requirements to give at blood.ca.

Sew Masks – N-95 and surgical masks are in high demand and short supply. Instead of purchasing a mask, make one for personal use and make extra for healthcare, nursing home and other critical workers too.

Visit Scouts.ca/GetInvolved to access resources to join in.