SAB Initiative 

WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER

At SAB Group we are here to help, A team of our colleagues are volunteering around the clock to pickup groceries from local grocery stores and or prescription medications from the local pharmacy for our neighbours who are unable go outside during this unprecedented time. We are helping people get jobs in the agriculture sector to ensure we do not end up in a food supply shortage as spring is here and many international workers who fill these jobs are unable to come to Canada. We are helping educate our friends and community members in social distancing and COVID19 and helping them navigate through a lot of false information on the internet. 

"I would like to thank the many of our colleagues who are volunteering to help the many seniors and others in our community who are not able or should not leave their residences. To see the people in our community almost naturally springing into action to help others is a silver lining in this ordeal. It reassures me that as Canadians we are kind, considerate and resilient. It is very important that we all follow appropriate hygiene and social distancing procedures while trying to help those seniors and neighbours in need." - Safir Ahmad Babar

With all the serious news connected to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are other stories emerging, stories of kindness and caring, stories of neighbour helping neighbour. To keep the novel coronavirus at bay, health authorities want people to distance themselves physically from others through self isolation or social distancing. The situation has created an opportunity to be neighbourly, both literally and figuratively.

Looking after each other during COVID-19 is important. Not only does this mean staying home and practising physical distancing as much as possible, it also means being neighbourly. While most people who become ill with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms, older adults and people with existing medical conditions (like heart disease, respiratory diseases, diabetes or cancer) and compromised immune systems can face more severe illnesses. 
Even if they don’t become sick, the COVID-19 pandemic can also have a devastating effect on: 
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• Individuals with low income or unstable jobs 
• People who find it hard to read, understand or communicate 
• Those who are isolated socially or geographically 
• People who live in poor housing conditions or are homeless 
• Individuals who do not have transportation

  
For these groups, the need to self-isolate or maintain physical distance due to COVID-19 can be stressful. They may: live alone, have no nearby family support; have no paid sick leave; be unable to go out because they have young children at home; lack Internet access to get current information; or do not have enough money to stock up on supplies and pay for transportation to get around.  

You can be a good neighbour, even during this time of physical distancing. Consider how you can help others in your community – being sure to protect your health as well: 

• Donate to your local food bank. Currently, there is increased demand as more people must stay home from work and may not get paid. 
• Call your neighbour who lives alone and provide a friendly voice of reassurance and support. 
• Offer to pick up groceries and other supplies for a neighbour in need. Practise physical distancing by leaving items on their porch or by the front door where your neighbour can easily retrieve it.