5 Ways To Help Others During The Coronavirus Outbreak
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As I sit before the computer, typing this blogpost in the comfort of my home, I cannot help but acknowledge the privilege that working from home policy brings to people like me during Coronavirus outbreak.
But what happens to those who do not have this option? The worst-affected are daily wage earners like domestic help, security guards, rickshaw drivers, handcart pullers, and waste pickers. With their work and mode of income disrupted, the coming weeks look bleak for them, as their families run out of supplies.
Having said that, there are also a lot of opportunities for us to support and be kind to one another. I ask you to do something kind and think of others who are in desperate need of your help during the coronavirus outbreak. You don’t have to be a billionaire to make a difference.
While it is easy to feel powerless in such an unprecedented situation, I have compiled some ways to support others during this challenging time.
Donate To Reputable NPOs
Now more than ever, nonprofit organizations need funding to carry out their meaningful work. Call the nonprofits you believe in, and find out how you can support them. Organisations such as the Gift of the Givers Foundation and many more are there to land a helping hand. And don't forget to help charities and organisations that help vulnerable women and children. They state that staying at home increases the risk of domestic abuse for thousands of women and children, and your donations will be used towards keeping our women's life-saving services running during COVID-19.
Donate To Reputable NPOs
Now more than ever, nonprofit organizations need funding to carry out their meaningful work. Call the nonprofits you believe in, and find out how you can support them. Organisations such as the Gift of the Givers Foundation and many more are there to land a helping hand. And don't forget to help charities and organisations that help vulnerable women and children. They state that staying at home increases the risk of domestic abuse for thousands of women and children, and your donations will be used towards keeping our women's life-saving services running during COVID-19.
Donate Blood
As fears of the coronavirus rise, low donor participation could harm blood availability at hospitals, and the last thing a patient should worry about is whether lifesaving blood will be on the shelf when they need it most. The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) as well as the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) are appealing to all donors from all blood groups to continue donating blood to prevent blood stocks running critically low. You can visit the SANBS website here and type in your address to find your closest centre.
Check On Your Loved Ones and Neighbours
Keep your distance in order to keep them safe, but call, text, Facebook message, stand on the stoop and talk through a crack in the door. The elderly are the most vulnerable, and also often the most in need of things like medications and other household items, and may need help bringing those home from the drugstore or corner market. It might be worth reminding them that social distancing is about physical distancing only – not social isolation. Check out the World Health Organization’s guide to mental health during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Support Small Businesses
Unfortunately, it is not a matter of if small businesses will be affected by the social-distancing, but how devastating those effects will be. For those looking to help now, explore these options, from donations to volunteer work to keep businesses afloat and ensure a speedy recovery. Check out this post on why it is important to support small (and women-owned) businesses.
Help The Poor
“There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of humanity,” a proverb states. While cooking food at homes, please prepare some extra food and donate those who are on the street or even your neighbours. Another way to help them is by giving them cash. Cash transfers are among the best-studied approaches to fighting poverty, and the results are very positive, with various studies finding that just handing out money increases consumption, boosts earnings.Check On Your Loved Ones and Neighbours
Keep your distance in order to keep them safe, but call, text, Facebook message, stand on the stoop and talk through a crack in the door. The elderly are the most vulnerable, and also often the most in need of things like medications and other household items, and may need help bringing those home from the drugstore or corner market. It might be worth reminding them that social distancing is about physical distancing only – not social isolation. Check out the World Health Organization’s guide to mental health during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Support Small Businesses
Unfortunately, it is not a matter of if small businesses will be affected by the social-distancing, but how devastating those effects will be. For those looking to help now, explore these options, from donations to volunteer work to keep businesses afloat and ensure a speedy recovery. Check out this post on why it is important to support small (and women-owned) businesses.
Help The Poor
If you don't know how to help, check out Forgood, an online platform that connects passionate people with needy organisations. It is a social market place where skills, goods, services and information can easily be offered and asked for.
I hope you stay healthy, safe, and strong, and that these tips empower you to make sure our community comes out stronger on the other side.
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