Real estate company aims to help Islanders in need be ready for potential 2nd wave of COVID-19

Staff at an Island real estate company have come together to launch the Helping Hands initiative to givepeople in need access to essential items should a second wave of COVID-19 hit P.E.I.

Powerhouse Realty P.E.I. ishoping community members will help them with donations to fill what they're calling helping handbags, which will includeessential items like masks, sanitizer, water and toilet paper.

"It was probably around the end of April that a few of us ended up saying, 'We need to do something for other people or those in need, especially if a second wave hits,'" said Patty Campbell, a broker and owner with the company.

The company is aimingto deliver the bags to some of the shelters on P.E.I. sothey can be distributedas needed. So far, they have about a dozen bags already assembled.

Matching donations

"We're looking for charitable donations of things like ... little sample bottles of shampoos and lotions and that," Campbell said.

"If people do have, you know, these kinds of supplies that would be great to fill the bags with. As well as just easy foods like soups and crackers."

We did without, we used to go door-knocking asking for milk, sometimes something even as simple as toilet paper. Patty Campbell, Powerhouse Realty P.E.I.

If the initiative is successful, and if there are enough donations to fill 100 bags, Campbell said the companywill match the number of bags.

The inspiration for Campbell to start the initiative was personal.

"I also was somebody that was somebody in need," she said, reflecting on her childhood.

"We did without, we used to go door-knocking asking for milk, sometimes something even as simple as toilet paper."

Now that she's in a position to help, Campbell said "it's about paying it forward."

Those interested in donating items or money can message staff through the company'sFacebook page.

Campbell said the company hopes tohave a first round of bags filledby July 1.

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