As we continue to see uncertain (and sometimes scary) news headlines, it’s important to remember the acts of kindness and selflessness that shine through during these difficult times.
Today, we look at four ways the CSI community has come together to make these challenging days just a little easier.
Coming together to preserve local culture
The Tranzac Club is one of the local cultural spaces that has been hit hard by the COVID-19 outbreak. This independent community folk music venue in the Annex was forced to close its doors on March 16. A few days later, CSI member Lokchi Lam sent out a heartfelt email to our community. She detailed how devastating the closure was to the venue and its staff and asked for support. Within a week, the Tranzac Club received 64 new or renewed memberships (a large chunk of which came from CSI)!
The venue was delighted: “Thank you, thank you, thank you! Our hearts are very warm, and we look forward to getting you new members t-shirts and membership cards when we reopen.”
Delivering fresh, locally-sourced food from farms to homes
Farmers’ markets have been closing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Annex Market is supporting the city’s food infrastructure by filling in the gap: they are inviting local farmers to sell their produce at Annex Market’s physical location.
Also, CSI alumni Fresh City Farms has waived delivery fees for its customers until May 15! In an email, CEO Ran Goel explains: “You will be able to shop for the items you need, when you need them, without having to leave your home if you can or don’t want to.”
To support the increase in demand for grocery deliveries, Fresh City Farms is hiring restaurant staff who were laid off due to COVID-19.
Sharing educational resources with school boards and parents
As students, parents, and educators adapt to virtual learning, Peekapak has opened up its lessons, at-home activities and interactive learning games for all affected families with children between Pre-K to 5th grade. Their resources help improve literacy and social-emotional learning skills. Request access here!
Cataloguing the COVID-19 resources available in Toronto
CSI member and ER doctor Ilan Shahin collaborated with Zahra Ebrahim to create the COVID-19 Resources Toronto app. Whether you’re looking for ways to help your community, or you need a bit of help yourself, this directory can point you in the right direction.
If you or someone you know is working on a project to help your community, let us know!
