Nelson Tasman generosity: How to help those in need during Covid-19
Posted on Wednesday 29 April 2020
It’s important now more than ever that we join together as a community and rally around those in need during these difficult times. There are many charities, organisations and website platforms committed to doing this and supporting individuals, businesses and families across Aotearoa with the ongoing impacts of Covid-19. As a guide, we’ve compiled a few of these that you can help support and make an important difference in the community during hardship. Let’s unite against Covid-19, he waka eke noa (We're all in this together).
Volunteer Nelson
Project C-19 is a collaboration between Volunteer Nelson and Neighbourhood Support Nelson, which is funded by Nelson City Council. This project is one of the multiple initiatives from Nelson City Council to support communities during this time of extreme disruption. Visit the Volunteer Nelson website to learn more and get involved.
Source: [volunteernelson]
SVA
The Student Volunteer Army is run country-wide helping those most vulnerable with grocery and pharmacy runs, childcare and more. There are three key ways that you can support the Student Volunteer Army’s COVID-19 volunteer response: Volunteer with SVA, tell them if you (or a friend or neighbour) need help by filling out an online form, or support SVA’s efforts by donating a small koha to their website!
Nelson Community Food Bank Trust
The Nelson Community Food Bank are working up a storm to deliver food parcels to families and individuals experiencing hardship in the Nelson area. They rely on the generosity of our community. The Food Bank is staffed by volunteers and funded by individuals, trusts and local businesses. You can help by donating through their website - every penny counts.
The Salvation Army
Get behind the team at the Nelson Tasman Bays Salvation Army and help them help those who need it. If you have a spare minute to visit their website and make a donation this could have a massive impact for someone in need.
Source: [salvationarmy]
SOS voucher
You can now order your favourite scone and muffin at level 3 but many service businesses like hair and beauty salons are still struggling and unable to open at this time. You can help by letting them know that you're still thinking of them with an SOS voucher and help them stay operating during this difficult time. The business you choose to support will get your support now and you can use the voucher further down the track. 96 Nelson/Marlborough businesses have already signed up, so you’ll be able to pay it forward to your local hospitality and service businesses.
Chia Sisters goodie pack
Our amazing local businesses continue to collaborate and support one another during lockdown. The Chia Sisters have relaunched the ‘Little Box of Sunshine’ to help local foodie businesses during this time, ease up pressure on supermarkets, and of course, provide you with some tastes of Nelson Tasman. You can also support these businesses by sending these little boxes of sunshine to your friends and whānau to let them know you are thinking of them in these tough times.
ShopLocally
You can support a wide range of local Nelson Tasman businesses from clothing & accessories to food & beverages through ShopLocally - an online marketplace to empower local business and give them the ability to start trading again under the level 3 restrictions. By buying through local retailers it keeps those in the region employed and the cash flow flowing!
Virtual Stall
As local markets are being indefinitely interrupted and public gatherings discouraged, Virtual Stall is a platform for Nelson Tasman local market stallholders to continue trading at level 3. Feel like your strolling down the Nelson Saturday Market and continue to support those special local businesses who will be feeling it hard at the moment.
KidsCan
Give $19 for Covid-19. KidsCan is delivering more than 3000 food parcels to children and their families during the lockdown as an essential service. As schools go back during level 3, they are facing unprecedented demand. Already 8,000 more Kiwi kids need food support. Anything they raise will go towards these programmes and help kids in the Nelson Tasman area and across the country. An extremely important cause during these times.
Source: [kidscan]
Fifeshire Foundation
100% of Fifeshire Foundation donations are designated for funding grants, to assist people in hardship and domestic crisis and goes directly to those in the Nelson Tasman community who are in need. They are currently receiving donations for the COVID-19 Emergency Grant Funding for essential food, firewood and power. Feel good knowing your donations go straight back into supporting the Nelson Tasman community.
Red Cross
Among the programmes Red Cross runs is the ‘Meals on Wheels’ service. Right now, a lot of elderly and unwell people are confined to their homes. They need hot meals, and this service provides it nationwide. Visit their website to learn more and make a donation if you can – every little bit counts!
Women's Refuge - gift a safe night
During these delicate and difficult times, the Women's Refuge are still open and operating to support those in need of a safe space for a night. By donating just $20 you can gift a safe night to someone that needs it. This will ensure they have a bed, hot meals and a support network during their stay. Go to their website to learn more about gifting a safe night or donating to their cause.
Support Crew
Support your Crew is a non-for-profit initiative that provides a way for kiwis to gift fuel, supermarket and café vouchers to support our essential workers who continue to provide the services that keep us safe during the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s also an online platform aimed at getting people through these life-changing events. That could also take the form of practical help (mowing the lawns etc.) financial help, or even just some emotional support.
Source: [supportcrew]
YUM
YUM granola have shifted their granola Honesty Box so locals can order their favourite YUM in bulk with 1kg home compostable bags at discounted pricing ($25/kg). They’ve also started a Share Your Breaky initiative. For every 1kg of YUM purchased, they are donating a bag of YUM to local and national food banks. Having already donated over 350 bags so far, equating to more than 2800 meals of YUM to those who need it most. How can you get involved? Simply head to their website or purchase your breakfast goodies from their honesty box on Bridge Street and help them help others in these coming months!
Call those who may be lonely
Something that doesn’t require an organiser or donations, just you and a bit of your time! Check in on those that may be feeling a bit more isolated than most at this time. Call your friends, parents and grandparents and make sure they’re feeling healthy or see if they need anything - this small act of kindness can go a long way and make someone’s day.
Most importantly, just be kind to people
Finally, if you don’t have money or time to give, you can still help. We are all in this together and these times are unknown territory for everyone. Anxiety and unease can be high. A long-distance smile to a stranger, a simple hello on your afternoon walk, or a kind word to your local supermarket worker can go a long way and be contagious too. Stay kind, and be safe!
