These postcards can be used to show neighbours your local love.
Preventing the spread of COVID-19 means physical distancing, which can leave people isolated and lonely. That’s why acts of local love and kindness are becoming more important than ever. And having a huge impact on the lives of vulnerable people.
Across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, a simple postcard is making a big difference – giving isolated individuals a much-needed lifeline by offering help with shopping, prescription pick-ups and posting mail. United Way Hi Neighbour postcards are being left on doorsteps and in mailboxes in eight communities – Burke Mountain in Coquitlam, Cedar Valley in Mission, Clayton Heights in Surrey, Edmonds in Burnaby, Lower Lonsdale in North Vancouver, Sardis in Chilliwack, Sunset in Vancouver and Willoughby in Langley.
Hi Neighbour community builders and United Way community engagement specialists are distributing the cards, which have their name and phone number. Seniors, those with mobility challenges and others in need can then call or text their neighbour for help. Or simply to hear a friendly voice in these uncertain times.
“Hi Neighbour postcards are a great way for people to step up and help others in their community,” says Kim Winchell, Director of Social Impact at United Way British Columbia. “We’re finding that there are people without access to technology, but who need help, that are reaching out.”
United Way’s Hi Neighbour initiative empowers individuals, communities and neighbourhoods to come together to become stronger. Hi Neighbour postcards and community members use of them shows how our collective response to the COVID-19 crisis is helping that happen.
To learn more about how United Way is supporting our community now, please read this letter from our President and CEO Michael McKnight.