A commentary by a legend in local retail, on behalf of his family.聽
Hello everyone. I hope that you and your loved ones are safe, healthy and able to stay at home. To the health-care workers and first responders on the front lines, and to all essential service personnel working around-the-clock to keep us safe: Thank you!
I鈥檝e had the opportunity to speak with many local business owners and community leaders. Having supported a number of fundraising initiatives over the years, I must congratulate the Victoria Foundation, the Jawl Foundation and the sa国际传媒. To raise $1 million in under two days, and continuing to nearly $4 million and counting, in support of those less fortunate, is an incredible achievement.
Vancouver Islanders have shown time and again how they can rally to transform the lives of families and communities. It is heartwarming to see that the health and well-being of others remains our top priority. Even during these difficult days surrounded by so much uncertainty, that鈥檚 the one thing I聽know will never change.
At Dodd鈥檚 Furniture and Mattress, we鈥檙e taking all of the necessary precautions to protect staff and customers. Having temporarily closed our three locations, we continue to work closely with sa国际传媒 Building Codes and Standards.
While the grand opening of our new mid-Island showroom in Nanaimo has been delayed, following the provincial government鈥檚 building and safety guidelines is essential to the welfare and security of our construction crew.
It鈥檚 important to remember you鈥檙e not stuck at home 鈥� you鈥檙e 鈥渟afe鈥� at home.
First and foremost: Talk to your children and grandchildren. Tell them it鈥檚 OK to be scared, but assure them that if everyone practises social distancing, things will get better. Doctors and nurses, police officers, paramedics and many others are working very hard to make that happen.
What can you do to help? Our Rapid Relief Fund has been created to assist multiple local charities and non-profit organizations that simply cannot function right now. No matter how big or small, any donation will help them provide services to those less fortunate and in desperate need.
You might also want to think of those small businesses that have meant so much to you in the past. Something as simple as buying an online gift card or writing a positive Google review could make a big difference in someone鈥檚 future.
Whether you salute health-care workers nightly at 7 p.m. or prefer picking up the phone to check on friends and neighbours, even the smallest gestures are greatly appreciated. Although we can鈥檛 be together at the moment, Skyping with family members who may be feeling isolated and alone lifts everyone鈥檚 spirits, yours included.
By all means, stay informed. But don鈥檛 allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the flood of images you see every day.
Our hearts go out to all who are fearful of COVID-19, struggling with illness or financially. If this sounds like you, please reach out. It鈥檚 true what they say 鈥� we鈥檙e all in this together. We will get through this the same way.
From my family to yours, I wish you continued good health.
God bless.
HOW TO DONATE
Tax receipts will be issued. If you are open to receiving your tax receipt by PDF, please include an email address with your donation.
鈥� Online:
鈥� Phone: 250-381-5532
鈥� Mail: Send cheques (made out to the Victoria Foundation) to RapidRelief Fund, Victoria Foundation, 200-703 Broughton St., Victoria V8W 1E2
The Rapid Relief Fund was created by the Victoria Foundation, the Jawl Foundation, and the sa国际传媒 to help people in need as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. CHEK Television, Coast Outdoor Advertising and Black Press are helping to boost awareness. Every dollar received from donations goes out as grants to the community.
Donations are being .
