Even as the province continues to progress through rollbacks of pandemic regulations, there are still people who need help getting through their days.
With that in mind, the Town of Lewisporte recently started a Students Supporting Communities, a program that has a pair of young adults providing a helpful hand around the community.
They’ll be looking to assist with garden work, picking up and delivering groceries, or helping people to stay connected with family and friends.
The latter could include helping seniors set up social media accounts or to learn how to use a cellular phone.
“Everyone needs a little help here and there,” said Lewisporte recreation and tourism manager Ashley Ivany. “We’re just giving back at this terrible time.”
The program is supported by a grant from the Department of Advanced Education Skills and Labour. Doing the helping will be Madison Fudge and Jaden Hannam.
“If we can get the word out, this is what we need,” said Hannam.
Posted by Town of Lewisporte on Wednesday, July 8, 2020
One of the pair's first endeavours saw them a man get the food he needed,
“He was really thankful for the help,” said Fudge.
The two are also developing new ideas for the program, including having young children become pen pals with senior citizens in the region, providing the seniors with added human contact, something that's often been in short supply during the pandemic.
It even has those running the program excited to pitch in.
“Oh, I will be writing a letter for sure,” said Fudge.
Nicholas Mercer is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter covering Central Newfoundland for SaltWire Network.
