According to a recent poll conducted by Ipsos, 77% of Canadians believe there will be a second wave of Covid-19 outbreaks, despite government measures to successfully control the spread of the virus. 79% of respondents supported the government mandate to wear masks and 82% of respondents believed that if everyone wears a mask, the number of people infected with the virus will decrease dramatically.
However, as businesses gradually re-open, health care professionals are suggesting that citizens prepare to face the second wave of Covid-19 cases.
The Downtown Eastside (DTES) community in Vancouver is a gathering place for thousands of individuals who struggle from poverty. These individuals live on the streets and in back alleys and rely on community service organizations and charities to provide them with free meals. Moreover, this community does not have access to protection measures and hygiene resources that would otherwise keep them safe from the virus. As such, this area is a weak link in the city’s pandemic prevention system in place to curb the spread of the virus.
To assist the government in preventing the spread of the virus, especially in the DTES area, the LLCS will mobilize a group of volunteers to urgently produce 10,000 cloth masks, which will be distributed free of cost to the homeless, elderly, immuno-compromised, and impaired residents.
The LLCS is currently inviting public citizens with experience in mask production or sewing to join our volunteer team to help with the production of these masks. If you are unable to volunteer with us, the LLCS also appreciates any monetary or in-kind donations to help continue our programs to help vulnerable community members in need, especially our Covid-19 Community Caring Drive. Tax receipts are available for donations of $20 or more.
If you would like to donate, please make the cheque payable to “Lotus Light Charity Society” and mail the cheque to the following address: Lotus Light Charity Society, #200 357 E.Hastings St, Vancouver BC V6A 1P3. You can also donate online by Visa or Mastercard on our website: http://vllcs.org/en/donation/.
If you would like more information about our mask project or any of our other programs, please contact the LLCS by Tel at 604-685-5548 or by email to llcsvancouver@gmail.com. You can also contact Ms. Teresa Fung, coordinator for the mask project. The LLCS is a registered charity (BN 14110-4893-RR0001).
The LLCS would like to thank corporate and individual sponsors, volunteers, and community partner organizations for their continued generosity and support during the Covid-19 pandemic. 