Local church food pantry sees big increase in demand during pandemic
By: Michelle Poirier The Hope for Today Fellowship church in Keswick feeds not only souls, but also hungry families. Elder Derek Edwards runs a food pantry through his church, Hope for Today Fellowship, and due to COVID-19, he has seen a 50 percent increase in recipients. "Before we would get anywhere from three to five calls, now it's about six to 10...
Local art gallery launches virtual portal for artists and aspiring artists
By: Ewa Chwojko What do toilet paper rolls and art have in common? Look at the images below! When you unleash your creative powers even humble objects are transformed into art. What is even better, you can share your creations with all of us in our new virtual gallery. The Georgina Arts Centre & Gallery (GACAG) website is now a virtual meeting...
Local art gallery launches virtual portal for artists and aspiring artists
By: Ewa Chwojko What do toilet paper rolls and art have in common? Look at the images below! When you unleash your creative powers even humble objects are transformed into art. What is even better, you can share your creations with all of us in our new virtual gallery. The Georgina Arts Centre & Gallery (GACAG) website is now a virtual meeting...
Routes offers phone call service for residents feeling isolated during the pandemic
By: James Burrows When you're anxious there's nothing better than hearing a friendly voice at the end of the phone. That feeling of being connected to friends and the wider community is what Route's new service, Friendly Calls, is trying to provide for residents who are feeling isolated during the pandemic. Routes Connecting Communities is a not-for-profit based in Georgina...
Mayor of Georgina’s statement on COVID-19
Media Release: Georgina, ON – The following is a statement from Mayor Margaret Quirk on the COVID-19 pandemic in the Town of Georgina: “This week marks one month since the COVID-19 outbreak was deemed a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The Province of Ontario issued a Declaration of Emergency on March 17, with the Town issuing its declaration on March 19....
Legions begin fundraising to save branches as financial challenges mount
TORONTO — A number of Royal Canadian Legion branches across the country have launched online fundraising efforts to keep their doors open after suffering financial setbacks because of COVID-19. The head of the national veterans' and community service group said this week that despite ongoing work to help veterans and seniors in their communities during the pandemic, many branches are now...
Pandemic raises fears for families with loved ones in long-term care
By: Mike Anderson With more than 50 nursing homes across the province reporting outbreaks of COVID-19, these are anxious times for people with loved ones in long-term care. So far, at least 69 people have died from the virus in Ontario's long-term care and retirement homes, accounting for 45 per cent the province's COVID-19 deaths, according to government data. This grim...
Community initiatives pop up during COVID-19 crisis
By: Michelle Poirier While the COVID-19 crisis brings anxiety and uncertainty, it is also inspires the best in people. And that's what's happening in Georgina, as some residents have started initiatives to help out their community. Steve Jacobson, former chair of the Jackson's Point BIA, has launched "SOS Georgina," a Facebook page designed to find ways to help people...
Bars, cannabis sector eligible for $40B credit program from government bank
TORONTO — Devastated bars and lounges as well as the country’s hard-hit cannabis sector will have access to $40 billion in new credit being made available via the government’s business bank during the COVID-19 crisis, its CEO said on Sunday. In an interview with The Canadian Press, Michael Denham said the program from the Business Development Bank of Canada and Export...
York Regional Forest closed to the public until further notice
By: Mike Anderson York Region has closed its 21 forest tracts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Georgina, the Metro Rd., Cronsberry and Pefferlaw forest tracts will be closed until further notice, effective immediately. Here is the full text of the York Region Media Advisory issued Saturday, April 4: Newmarket – As part of The Regional Municipality of York’s continued...
