Amid concerns regarding the outbreak of COVID-19, locals are stepping up to make sure the more vulnerable people, especially seniors, get what they need.
100 Mile House’s Canadian 2 for 1 location is one of those.
“What we’re doing is giving them my phone number and they can place a grocery item order or whatever they may need around town and what I will do is I will go and purchase the items in the morning to make sure they get some,” said Petra Perkins, the store’s general manager. “When our delivery drivers come on and have deliveries out that way, we can grab it and take it out there at the same time.”
Seniors and people with autoimmune disorders can contact the store (250-395-1115) if they are interested, and the store will take the order for them or direct them to Perkins.
“Honestly, it’s because I noticed at the grocery stores that a lot of things run out or there is a mass amount of people going into them and a lot of times elderly people can’t get to them as easy,” explained Perkins. “For example, Carefree Manor reached out to me because people seem to have trouble just getting groceries in general. So this is a good way to help.”
Perkins said they will help everyone who makes an order, however, on busier nights such as Friday, people can expect deliveries to be made a little late or may even be asked to wait the following day.
“Right now, it’s a lot slower so it’s easier to do. We’re not overly worried about that because even if one of our drivers can’t take it [an order] there’s always someone willing to go out there.”
There is also no limit on how much money worth of items that can be requested, however, Perkins said it might be a little troublesome if orders reach over $200. She said that right now, people are mostly requesting small items such as toilet paper, sanitary items and some food.
The distance of delivery remains the same as usual, delivering throughout town; including all of the 108 Mile Ranch area, Fallsway Road (off Horse Lake Road) and the second Kennedy Road off of Canim-Hendrix Lake Road. Perkins also mentioned that for Horse Lake area residents, a pick up can be arranged on Fallsway or McMillan Road.
Perkins further added they are taking sanitation very seriously at the store, with everything from the counter, pop cooler, tables and debit machines being wiped down almost immediately after it is touched.
Drivers also take precautions, sanitizing their debit machines and their cars. They will also be wearing gloves while out delivering orders. Drivers will accept payment of grocery items with debit or cash with no additional costs required.
Perkins also said a lot of people have reached out to her regarding donations.
“If they are not picked up by the seniors, anything not used will go to food bank.”
Sven Birkner of Ready Set Safety is also carrying out a similar program, volunteering to help pick up and deliver to the elderly.
“I decided the best thing I could do at this point in time, is to make sure to care for our elderly because they’re most susceptible. They don’t get a chance to get out very often and when they do they get overwhelmed.”
The services he is offering are grocery pickup, medication pickup (if possible) and helping out young families with small children.
“I realize that wipes and baby formulas can be difficult to attain, but there are other ways. You can do stuff like help out with like a formula recipe with condensed milk, a little bit of sugar. Something like that.”
Birkner says he has a few friends who are willing to help him make deliveries. There is no limit to how much someone can ask for, but Birkner said they will be responsible to cover the costs. However, they will not be charged for gas, mileage or anything else.
He also added that he will personally only deliver within a 50-kilometre radius of 100 Mile House, people from Clinton, Williams Lake or other communities further can still reach out and he will try to find a friend or volunteer to make it possible.
