During a time when it’s anything but business as usual, some local companies are taking the opportunity to do something positive for residents in need.
Ricks Driving School has cancelled its in-class programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so his instructors came up with an idea. They suggested they do grocery runs for seniors in Orillia and Midland.
“I’m very proud of my instructors for helping out,” said company owner Rick Elliott. “They realize there are other people out there who are worse off than we are.”
Since Monday, Elliott and about a dozen instructors are volunteering their time to pick up and deliver groceries, and the response has been an eye opener.
“I’m surprised how many people are house-bound,” Elliott said. “Seniors are having a difficult time getting out and about.”
He has realized seniors aren’t the only ones who can benefit from the service.
“There are people we don’t think about who just can’t get out for some reason,” he said, adding he’s happy to help them, too.
The reaction from people upon receiving their groceries has been gratifying, Elliott said, recalling a visit to one senior’s house.
“When I showed up with their groceries, they said, ‘Hallelujah! Thank you,’” he recalled. “They don’t know where to turn to, so any little bit that we can do to help out, we’re here.”
Anyone in need of grocery pickup and delivery can call Elliott at 705-718-1897.
RE/MAX Orillia is also doing its part.
Broker/owner Steve Stoutt recently reached out to The Sharing Place Food Centre to offer assistance and the company made a financial donation, but when his family went to check on seniors in their neighbourhood, they realized more could be done.
“Quite a few of them needed supplies, so that’s how it really started,” Stoutt said.
The company posted to its Facebook page, asking anyone who needed groceries or other necessities picked up and delivered to call the office.
“It just came down to helping the community,” he said. “There’s a lot of people in our community who don’t have means of transportation, so we decided to reach out and see how we could help.”
It is going to “take a village” to make sure local residents are taken care of during the pandemic, Stoutt said.
“Everyone’s in this together.”
Those looking for assistance can call RE/MAX at 705-325-1373.
