How can you give to the coronavirus response?

This blog was updated on March 28.

With the news about the global spread of coronavirus, or COVID-19, some people are feeling anxiety and concern. You may be asking, “How can I help?” 

The most important thing each one of us can do is to try to prevent the spread of coronavirus, a flu-like illness now affecting more than 100 countries. In Canada, the official recommendation is to stay home as much possible, even if you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, in an effort to stop the spread of the virus. Canadians are also being asked to practice frequent hand hygiene and good coughing and sneezing etiquette. For more information, you can visit the Government of Canada’s website. 

All levels of the Canadian government have instigated coordinated public health responses to the COVID-19 outbreak. This includes measures to educate on how to prevent the spread of illness, to quickly identify any possible cases, and to educate and protect first responders and health care workers. You can find more information here: Government of Canada – Coronavirus-Frequently Asked Questions.

Where to give 

There are a number of charities providing services to add to global public health efforts to contain and address this widespread epidemic. If you are looking to give, you may want to consider the following charities: 

The Canadian Red Cross: One of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations, the Red Cross is prepared to handle outbreaks such as the COVID-19. The Canadian Red Cross is coordinating with its counterparts in the most affected nations to assist in supporting response efforts. 

Unicef Canada: The international aid organization is assisting in affected areas globally, with a particular focus on the health needs of children and families. 

BCCDC Foundation for Population and Public Health: This provincial organization focuses on “health first,” and works “to inspire vision and philanthropy to protect and promote health, prevent harm, and prepare for threats.”

The Canadian Public Health Association: As a Canadian non-governmental organization focused exclusively on public health, the CPHA advises policymakers and decisionmakers “to guide initiatives to help safeguard the personal and community health of Canadians and people around the world.”

Food Banks Canada: The national charity is seeking support for its local branches across the country, as demand has surged due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How to give locally

During difficult public health situations like these, it can be a time to think about smaller charities supporting health and wellbeing in your own neighbourhoods, towns, and cities. This can include community centres, neighbourhood houses for families and senior citizens, and other non-profit facilities. 

Many local organizations and charities have programs raising community awareness around best health practices and illness prevention. As well, there are health charities that support more vulnerable populations — including senior citizens and those with underlying health issues who are most affected by COVID-19 illness — in accessing basic health care services. Have you encountered any of these charities in your communities?

On a larger scale, researchers at major Canadian universities will be conducting research around COVID-19 and how it can be treated and addressed. You can give to all public universities through the Charitable Impact platform.

You can use the Charitable Impact platform to search for charities by cause and location to uncover new places to give. We are happy to support you at any time to find what you are looking for. Reach out to us at [email protected]. 

Above all else, we at Charitable Impact wish for your health and safety. We can all help by taking precautions to safeguard the health of those around us. 

If you’d like to give to help out with this, or any other cause, we are here to support you. Through Charitable Impact’s online giving platform, you can give to any of the over 85,000 registered charities across Canada. By setting up a free Impact Account, our powerful search engine will connect you to charities — from familiar favourites to new discoveries. We’re here to help you achieve your giving, your way, with our support. Call, email, or chat with a member of our team. You can email [email protected] or call 1-877-531-0580.