Northumberland County residents are rallying together to develop a virtual neighbourhood in order to spread kindness and offer support during COVID-19.
“Caremongering” has been trending since the health crisis unfolded in Canada. The word, and the grassroots citizen movement it represents, allows people to help each other while practicing social distancing. In particular, it’s a volunteer community of goodwill and caring neighbours to help those who are most vulnerable and who are in self-isolation.
The formation of the local group was a neighbourly act of kindness in of itself. Raymond Jones started up the Caremongering Northumberland Facebook group after his friend in Windsor started a campaign there. His friend Trish Baxter jumped on board to help with administration. At the same time, Linds Nicole, had started up her own Mutual Aid Network group, a similar initiative that she had learned about from a friend also in Windsor. All the while, another Cobourg citizen and Council member, Nicole Beatty, was recruiting a group of peers and entrepreneurs to offer a volunteer companion service. Nicole reached out to Raymond and Linds upon discovering their efforts and over a virtual Zoom call the three decided to join forces in an effort to help more people while supporting one another.
Since introducing themselves via a video chat on Thursday, March 19th, the group has a volunteer list of nearly 30 County residents and community connections are being made. Volunteers can sign up through the group using a Google form. People looking for help with grocery shopping, errands, DIY services and other needs can use the same form. Requests for support are then sent out to the virtual community and people are connected with one another. Local businesses are also using the group as a way to communicate changes to their services and hours of operation during COVID-19.
Examples of Caremongering so far include connecting with Salvation Army Cobourg/Port Hope to help them recruit volunteer drivers to ensure immediate support to their vulnerable clients is not interrupted. Another heartwarming story involves a woman whose furnace broke and who couldn’t afford the repair. She reached out through the group looking for assistance. Caremongering was able to connect her with a local tradesperson who had offered to service it for free.
If it’s going to take a village to get through COVID-19 then Northumberland can rest assure that it is going to be cared for. The acts of kindness being initiated and organized
by the Caremongering neighbourhood network are an amazing testament to the fact that we are all in this together.
Residents of Northumberland County are encouraged to visit www.fornorthumberland.com to learn more and to join the Facebook group. For people who do not use social media contact Linds at 905.269.9879 with a specific need or offer to help. People looking for specific social service support or financial assistance are asked to call 211.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
