DELTA4DELTA

Message from Sean McGill, City Manager:

Canadian music artists united the country with a powerful rendition of the late Bill Withers’ LEAN ON ME during a recent #StrongerTogether concert. If you haven’t seen the video, you need to check it out. As I listened, I thought about those in our community who are in need of a little extra help – someone to lean on – during this extremely difficult time. Many local organizations in Delta have stepped up in a big way to provide support for the vulnerable in our community during this pandemic. However, in order to sustain their operations in ways and at levels they had never imagined, they are going to need our help.

DELTA4DELTA FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

For all of us still fortunate to still be working during this pandemic, I am asking all of you to consider helping your neighbours, supporting those who are vulnerable during this time, and sharing our collective good fortune by giving to programs offered by the following local organizations:

North Delta Food Bank – when the Surrey/North Delta Food Bank had to temporarily consolidate operations to its Newton location in Surrey, DELTASSIST stepped up in to coordinate a temporary food bank in North Delta to ensure residents there continue to receive supplies.

South Delta Food Bank – the LIGHTHOUSE CHURCH continues to operate the South Delta Food Bank for Ladner and Tsawwassen through these difficult times.  

Starfish Backpack Program – over the last year, the NORTH DELTA ROTARY CLUB has been providing food to vulnerable school children in North Delta through the Starfish Backpack Program. SOUTH DELTA BAPTIST CHURCH has recently stepped up to run the program for Ladner and Tsawwassen. The program is administered by DELTASSIST.

Support for Seniors – although many in house programs for seniors have been suspended, volunteers and staff at DELTASSIST contact seniors at least twice per week via telephone. They are also shopping for isolated seniors who are unable to shop during the pandemic.  

Family Harvest Box Program – the EARTHWISE SOCIETY has developed a family harvest box program to ensure that families in need are provided access to fresh healthy food.

Supporting Vulnerable Youth – even though the BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF SOUTH BC has had to shutter during this pandemic, they are still providing support to Delta’s most vulnerable youth.

Special Needs Support – children with special needs are continuing to receive the extra support they need from REACH CHILD & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT via virtual online tools, resources and therapy sessions.

Extreme Weather Shelter – when the extreme weather shelter was asked to remain open until June to support the pandemic response, the LADNER UNITED CHURCH offered to continue to operate the facility.

Addiction & Recovery Support – during this difficult time, LITTLE HOUSE SOCIETY has been offering free individual and family counselling appointments via ZOOM with a qualified drug and alcohol counsellor.

Transition Housing – with domestic violence on the rise during this pandemic, AZURE PLACE provides safe transition housing for women and children fleeing abuse. The 8 bedroom transition house located in Delta not only provides temporary accommodation, but emotional support, crisis intervention, and safety planning.

Access to Kids Sports – the pandemic forced KIDSPORT DELTA to cancel its largest fundraiser of the year, donations raised from this fundraiser are used to remove the financial barriers (registration fees and equipment) that prevent some children from playing organized sport.

Sweeten the Deal!  All staff who donate to the fundraiser will receive a BINGO card to play virtual work-from-home or work-from-the-office BINGO on Friday, May 29, 2020! You can expect awesome gift certificate prizes purchased from local shops!

“You just call on me brother, when you need a hand. We all need somebody to lean on. I just might have a problem that you'll understand. We all need somebody to lean on”

Our neighbours are leaning on us, let’s give them a hand ... #Delta4Delta.