MeVest Delivers Tips on How to Help During Uncertain Times

Good morning everyone,I hope this message finds you well and healthy. Today I’m sharing a brief note about how you and your family can help during the pandemic; even if funds are tight. And for obvious reasons, staying home and safe remains the greatest form of help you can give right now.Non-profit organizations need youCharities are pivoting rapidly to provide services through virtual channels, and limited-to-no-contact methods. This has opened the door to new ways of volunteering and giving. If you want to help a local non-profit, like a youth counselling centre, your first step is to get in touch with the organization’s resourcing department to find out what they need. From there, you can determine the best way for you and your family to get involved; volunteering, donating money or giving physical goods. Please note that food banks and blood donation services have massive needs due to COVID-19. As usual, registered charities will be providing tax receipts for donations.Even if you’re out of work right now, your skills, energy and enthusiasm cost nothing, and could be paired with an organization that needs you. And, if you are specifically interested in volunteering to help fight COVID-19, Volunteer Canada has started to itemize opportunities by province here.Buy from small businesses, tooWhile you are carefully minding your household budget, you can still support small businesses by buying locally sourced foods and goods from stores within your community. And, in the vast majority of cases, the prices are very competitive. Your purchases will help keep these businesses running and business owners can, in-turn, employ people from within the community and from their supply chain (including farmers). I still believe it is very important to stick to essential spending during these uncertain times, but when you do spend, try to be strategic about who’s getting your business.Many small businesses are pivoting towards a digital model and some are even testing out curb-side pickup and delivery. This can take time to work out the kinks, and so having patience with your vendors is also an important form of support.Students, volunteer and get a grant for tuitionMany students will not have the same employment opportunities this summer as originally planned. Thus, the government is in the process of rolling out the I Want To Help platform, which will pair students with volunteer opportunities that are specifically targeted at fighting COVID-19. In exchange for these efforts, students will earn up to $5,000 in an educational grant for school. This is a win-win for students and non-profit organizations.The outpouring of support in our communities is heartwarming and a beautiful silver lining in this crisis. If you can, try to get involved in a safe and helpful way.And remember above all else, stay home when you can, be kind to one another and listen to local health authorities for the most up to date information. We will continue to be here to provide financial best practices on our blog to support you during this time.Thank you for continuing to stay connected with us.Please reach out to me if you have questions: lesley-anne@mevest.ca. In the meantime, stay healthy.Lesley-Anne ScorgieMeVest FounderMissed our last email? Click here to read our tips for students amidst this crisis.