A new Facebook group started by a Vanderhoof resident has recently gained a lot of popularity and the creator said she wanted to provide Vanderhoofians a ‘one-stop-shop’ amidst COVID-19.
“I started the group because I saw some pretty big potential needs ahead after a personal experience of not being able to access some Clorox wipes,” said Michelle Racher, creator of the Facebook page named Caring for Community Through Covid-19 ~ Caremonger Vanderhoof.
Racher’s personal medical situation makes her vulnerable and at high-risk, she told the Omineca Express.
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“Lots of what is being asked of us by Dr. Bonnie Henry is my normal to keep me healthy. Social distancing, good hygiene… they work! They keep me out of the hospital where I once used to be admitted many weeks in a year,” she explained.
However, Racher is one person and there are a lot more people in the community that are vulnerable for many reasons.
“We have to break the chains of transmission of this disease. To do so, it is going to take EVERYONE. EVERYONE! Any time proper social distancing is not followed, is another transmission opportunity. How would a person feel if they passed this to their grandparent or family friends fighting cancer or any other person? That is a burden I am not personally willing to bear,” she said in a statement to the Omineca Express.
In terms of why she decided to start the Facebook group, Racher said that even though Vanderhoof has some very ‘good’ community pages, that have their own purpose, with COVID-19 in the picture now, she knew another resource had to be established.
“I hoped to develop a space where people could ‘one-stop-shop’ for reliable information, but more so connect, so individual needs could be met.”
“In my 16 years here, Vanderhoof has proven over and over again to have huge hearts and a passion for looking out for one another. We just needed a space to be able to make those connections,” Racher added.
With the current pandemic, “everyone is under stress currently,” Racher said alluding to the state of businesses, seniors care, employment etc that is causing stress to humans across the board.
“We all need to take a deep breath and help one another out in ways we are able to, to collectively ease everyone’s worries,” she said.
When Racher initially formed the page, she got 500 members in under 24 hours. In four days of operation, they have over 1000 members.
Many people in the group have shared resources and expressed a desire to help people, she said, adding that they have begun to meet individual needs.
Racher said that people should call their family and friends, ‘who may have more challenges.”
She said people need to be informed with good reliable information and not rumours.
“Do not add to the fear and panic. Follow the requests and demands of our health and government officials. Take this big pause in our busy lives to restore yourself and connect with people.”
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Aman Parhar
Editor, Vanderhoof Omineca Express
aman.parhar@ominecaexpress.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
