Be Consciously Kind
People are starting to hope again now that vaccines are being administered in the province. Provincial campsites are booking up quickly as many people are optimistic enough to actually schedule vacations, at least within the province. Optimism springs from the glimmer of hope that COVID-19 will be under control and we will be able to gain a sense of normalcy in our lives.
For many people in Central Alberta, poverty will remain their normalcy long after COVID is gone. Those living in poverty before the pandemic saw their financial situations worsen and many others fell into poverty as COVID caused job-losses, child-care expenses, and mental health issues. These friends and neighbours are going to truly struggle to make ends meet and their return to “normalcy” will likely take much longer than others.
It’s only the end of May, but for many people “back to school” in September will soon loom large. Buying even the most basic school supplies will be weighed against the cost of basic food supplies. So too, people will have difficulty choosing between expensive menstrual supplies for themselves and their children and paying for utilities or rent.
That’s why for this year’s Conscious Kindness Day (Tuesday May 18th) we’re collecting supplies for both Tools for Schools and Period Promise. It’s early to be thinking about buying calculators and math sets, but the earlier we start, the more hopeful we can be that this year’s Tools for School needs can be met.
It’s the same for Period Promise. Period poverty is a very real issue, and we don’t want people missing days of work or schools because they can’t afford basic hygiene items.
Please consider making a donation to Conscious Kindness Day May 18th. We’re making it as easy as possible, just pull up to the front of our new office at 4828 48 Street, and there will be bins there for contactless drop-off. It’s that easy, and your donations will help Central Albertans who are struggling the most to return to a sense of “normal”. Thank you.