The CAMROSE BOOSTER, March 2, 2021 – Page 12
Government protecting our lives By Jackie Lovely MLA Camrose Constituency
Since last year, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything about our lives. From whom we see to how we work, shop and learn, every single one of us has been impacted in one way, shape or form. That is why Alberta’s government has taken action to protect the lives and livelihoods of Albertans as they continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. Early in the pandemic, we recognized that social distancing guidelines and financial stress could have adverse effects on the mental health and well-being of Albertans. That is why we made a $53 million investment in mental health and addiction supports to make sure Albertans who were in crisis would get the help they need, like the more than $43,000 grant for the Camrose and District Family Violence Action Society. We also acted to protect Alberta’s most vulnerable, including those living in congregate living facilities. In May 2020, Alberta taxpayers invested more than $170 million in funding to help keep residents and staff in long-term care, designated supportive living facilities and seniors’ lodges safe–something very important in the Camrose area, as we have a large seniors population. Knowing that our older generations are at high risk from COVID-19, this funding helped us continue to protect our most vulnerable and allowed for facilities to enhance staffing and purchase additional PPE and cleaning supplies. Protecting the lives of Albertans has been a priority throughout the pandemic, and we have instituted public health measures to help keep people safe. When the second wave hit in the fall, we took additional action to protect our health care system with aggressive measures to slow the spread of the virus. So far, these measures have worked, and case counts and hospitalizations have recently declined. We are taking a cautious approach as we look to ease restrictions. Most recently, as part of Step 1 of Alberta’s four-step framework to ease restrictions, we allowed school-related and limited indoor and outdoor children’s sport and performance activities, one-on-one indoor fitness classes with a trainer, and dine-in service at restaurants, cafés and pubs. We will continue to monitor data to ensure that any steps we take to reduce restrictions on Albertans continue to protect their lives. COVID-19 has also impacted our businesses, employers, and for some, their ability to go to work. While vaccines offer some hope of a return to normal, ongoing delivery delays from the federal government mean reasonable public health restrictions must remain in place. That is why Alberta’s government has continued to take steps to protect the livelihoods of Albertans. We recently announced the Enhanced COVID Business Benefit, a new program that provides financial relief to those businesses whose bottom lines have been most affected by public health measures. We have also provided income support for people unable to work while they self-isolate, and provided support for daycares and dayhomes so childcare is not a barrier for those who are still able to work. Applications for the Critical Worker Benefit also recently opened on Feb. 17. This benefit was launched to recognize hundreds of thousands of critical workers who continue to support and provide services to Albertans during this pandemic, and workers in health care, social services, education and in some parts of the private sector are eligible to receive this one-time payment. We have also made significant investments in infrastructure projects. Accelerated schools, roads and other construction projects have helped us get more Albertans back to work while also moving ahead on important projects for communities across the province. While life has changed significantly over the past year, Alberta’s government continues to work hard to support you every single day. As the pandemic continues and we move forward with vaccinations, we will continue to do everything we can to protect both your lives and your livelihoods. You can contact Jackie Lovely, Camrose MLA, at Constituency Office, 104, 4870-51 Street, Camrose, AB T4V 1S1. Tel: 780-672-0000, camrose@assembly. ab.ca or at Legislature Office, 6th Floor, 9820-107 Street, Edmonton, AB T5K 1E7.
Chamber facilitates “40 Meal” project By Lori Larsen
When times get tough, helping hands come from many directions, reaching out to those in need. Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce recently implemented the 40 Hot Meal Project initiative, which began last year in Medicine Hat, the brain child of realtor Torrey Mattson. The goal of the 40 Hot Meal Project is to support a few local restaurants suffering from the fallout of COVID-19 pandemic imposed health restrictions and recommendations, and assist in meeting higher demands of food banks by providing hearty meals to those in need. The project was quickly supported by local businesses and individuals in Medicine Hat and area, raising over $50,000 since the beginning of December 2020. “Like the folks in Medicine Hat, we have a very keen interest in seeing our local business community thrive and continue its incredibly generous support of our not-for-profit sector,” explained Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce executive director Sharon Anderson. “All this requires are community champions, the partnerships between your food bank, restaurant industry and generous business community, and it will be a win, win, win!” Anderson went on to explain that 100 per cent of the money raised through sponsorship will be spent directly at local restaurants that are preparing individually packaged frozen meals, which are then delivered to the Camrose Neighbor Aid Center (Food Bank) for the hamper program. “Our goal is to raise sufficient funds to provide
240 meals each month,” added Anderson. “We already have six local restaurants who are eager to participate, and a few interested sponsors.” Sponsors can be local businesses, individuals, or a groups of coworkers, all wanting to do their part in helping those in the community who find themselves in need. Anderson indicated that the framework of the project would entail sponsors willing to sponsor a minimum of 40 meals and donate them to the local food bank. “Sponsorships starts at $250. The Chamber will match sponsors with a restaurant to provide 40 meals for the Camrose Neighbor Aid Center’s Food Bank. However, we will gladly accept smaller donation amounts which will be combined to make up $250 increments. “The participating restaurants will be required to provide affordable meals, in freezer friendly, individually packaged, large quantities, all in an effort to replace lost revenues due to dine-in service shutdown.” Sponsors and restaurants will be connected through an email program facilitated by the Camrose Chamber in order to arrange direct payment between the two. “Arrangements will be made to deliver the sponsored meals to the Camrose Neighbor Aid Center (located at 4524-54 Street) on scheduled dates, ensuring that the Food Bank isn’t overwhelmed with deliveries at any time.” A Facebook page will be facilitated by the Camrose Chamber to highlight restaurants and offer recognition for sponsors.
GENEROUS CUSTOMERS
Sarah MacKenzie, one of the creators of the Medicine Hat project, said, “This is an amazing initiative that has the potential for significant food security and economic impact if implemented across our region, province and even country. “The program, as designed, doesn’t add a significant administrative burden to the food banks, as it serves their existing food hamper clients (restaurants deliver to the food bank directly), does not create administrative burden for the organizing individual(s) or businesses (sponsors pay food providers directly), and provides an immediate revenue injection into a local restaurant industry struggling through an unprecedented time.” The project injects funds back into the community by sponsoring local restaurants that employ community members and, in turn, supports other local businesses and notfor-profits. It also offers those struggling in the community with food security and a “dining in” experience that may be otherwise unattainable, showing them that generous fellow community members also understand their need for a break. Chamber president Jason Heise said he is excited to see this project come together in the community, and extends his thanks for the generosity of our business community. For more information or inquiries regarding the 40 Hot Meal Project, contact Sharon Anderson at the Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce by email at exec@camrose chamber.ca or by telephone at 780-672-4217.
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster
During a 2020 Sobeys/Safeway Holiday Fundraising Campaign held across Canada to support local food banks, customers stepped up to the cashier and generously donated to help those in need. The Camrose Safeway Store second assistant manager Al Paquette, left, was delighted to hand over gift cards totalling $4,596 to Camrose Neighbor Aid Center (Food Bank) program director Jo-Anne Tweed from funds donated by Camrose and area customers.