How P.E.I. charities are adapting to COVID-19

Some P.E.I. charities and fundraisersare having to adapt the way they raise money to survive and continue to help others throughout COVID-19.

Before the pandemic, many of them relied on dinners, galas, telethons or selling lottery tickets at community halls to raise money but like many other things, the pandemic has thrown a wrench into all of that.

The Community Foundation of P.E.I. is one organization that found itself having to make changes.

Right now it'sraising money to help charities impacted by COVID-19 through a Chase the Ace fundraiser but instead of selling tickets in person, the foundation is hosting the lottery saleonline.

"It was really a little bit of research on our part to determine does something exist that we could do fully online," said Kent Hudson, the foundation's executive director.

"Once we found that, we quickly shifted gears into the development process and being able to get it up and running as quickly as possible which was no small task as well in terms of the system itself."

COVID-19 has lead to 'difficult' decisions

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation has also had to pivothow itusually operates.It had to cancel its annual telethon this year.

"That was a very difficult decision after 23years. It's an annual Island tradition as well as all of the events that supportand are celebratedon the telethonthat had to be cancelled. So you know we'reall feeling that," said foundation CEOTracy Comeau.

But she said donors have stillstepped up to give during the pandemic.

Comeau said the foundation will create a video to share online to celebrate its donors and those usually involved with the telethon.

Hudson and Comeau both said the hope is to be able to keep raising awareness for their causes. COVID-19 might not be going away any time soon, but neither has the need to support those who need help.

COVID-19: What you need to know

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Common symptoms include:

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Tiredness.

But more serious symptoms can develop, including difficulty breathing and pneumonia, which can lead to death.

Health Canada has built aself-assessment tool.

What should I do if I feel sick?

Isolate yourself and call 811. Do not visit an emergency room or urgent care centre to get tested. A health professional at 811 will give you advice and instructions.

How can I protect myself?

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean regularly touched surfaces regularly.
• Practisephysical distancing.

More detailed information on the outbreak is available on thefederal government's website.

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