During this global health emergency, it’s easy to get caught up in the negative news. But in the chaos of what’s happening around us, there is so much good happening in the world, too.
Communities are coming together for a greater cause: to help those in quarantine and those who are the most at-risk. And Canadian companies are doing their part to help their communities during the COVID-19 outbreak, too. These acts of kindness put a smile on our faces and show us that there’s hope in uncertain times.
Here are 10 Canadian companies stepping up and doing good during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Spirit Of York
With hand sanitizer being a scarce commodity across the world, distillers like Toronto-based Spirit of York have pivoted business towards creating more. The distiller, which is based in the Distillery District, put a pause on producing vodka, gin, and whisky, and began producing hand sanitizer, which is free to elders and those who can’t afford it. The cost for others is $2.95 per bottle, and proceeds are donated to local food banks.
Salts And West
Based on Vancouver Island, Salts and West is a Canadian fashion company that specializes in eco-friendly fashion for women. However, during this time, Jennifer Graham, the company’s owner, has made COVID-19 prevention her top priority. She and her team of 10 have been making reusable masks for doctors and clinics in Canada and the U.S.
Nickel 9 Distillery
Nickel 9 Distillery is another Canadian company helping COVID-19 prevention. It’s turning its facilities into production space for hand sanitizer. The company is distributing its hand sanitizer to hospitals across the city, as well as the community in Toronto neighbourhood, The Junction.
Rebelstork
Toronto-based company Rebelstork, an online marketplace for baby gear, has partnered with The New Mom Project to help new mothers during the COVID-19 outbreak. Rebelstork’s shoppers can make donations by purchasing gift cards to the store. Rebelstork will then match the donation and deliver funds to The New Mom Project, which will be used to acquire baby gear essentials for marginalized new moms.
Last Straw Distillery
This Vaughan-based distillery is also producing hand sanitizer and offering it to the community completely for free. Health care professionals are able to grab bottles and go, while members of the community are asked to bring their own reusable 250 mL bottles.
Ellie Mae Studios
From Monday, March 23 to Friday, March 27, Ellie Mae Studios is hosting an online Spring Warehouse Sale. A portion of sales will be donated to organizations impacted by COVID-19, specifically Toronto Humane Society, which has had to close its facility to the public due to COVID-19. Donations to Toronto Humane Society will go towards housing, food, and restarting community services after COVID-19 has passed.
SudWest Gyros & Co.
With food banks across Canada struggling to help meet the needs of marginalized individuals, Montreal-based SudWest Gyros & Co. has stepped up to help provide meals to those in need. As a way of giving back to the community, the restaurant is offering a buy-one-give-one program, and for every meal purchased, a meal will be given to one of three local food organizations: Head and Hands, Sun Youth, and Share the Warmth.
Glad Day Bookshop
Toronto-based shop and event space have created a fund to help support its community. Money raised will go towards those without financial supports such as LGBT2SQ artists, performers, sex workers, and tip-based workers.
InkSmith
Based in Kitchener, Ontario, InkSmith has changed gears and begun 3D printing and cutting face shields to distribute to healthcare workers on the frontline. While the design still needs to be approved by health officials, the company says each visor takes about one hour to complete and plans to make the design available free online for any of those who are able to help.
The Biking Lawyer
The Biking Lawyer David Shellnutt, who has an office on College St. in Toronto, recently launched the Toronto Bike Brigade. Along with 250 other volunteers and the support of organizations like University Health Network’s Friendly Neighbour Hotline, he will be making bike deliveries to those who aren’t able to leave home at this time.
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