Here are the best ways you can support the COVID-19 response at this time.
For Individuals
1. Fund the Frontlines
Contribute to The HomeFront’s fundraiser to direct funds to charities with the highest needs, in service of the mission to combat the PPE shortage and arm our front lines with the resources they need. Donations to this campaign will receive a full tax receipt.Â
This campaign is run through The Upside Foundation of Canada (Charitable Registration No. 84528 3241 RR0001); all donations to this campaign will receive a full tax receipt.Â
Knix has done an incredible job activating their existing network of suppliers to quickly source high quality PPE and deploying it the areas of highest need. Contribute to Knix’s initiative to directly support the purchasing of N95 masks, surgical masks, and gloves. Please note: this is a direct support initiative rather than a charity fundraiser, so tax receipts cannot be given.
2. Spread the Word
We are most in need of volunteers right now to amplify our fundraiser on social media, and reach out to your network of small business owners who may be able to contribute supplies. Please follow The Home Front on social media (Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook), fill out the contact form below to subscribe to our email list, and share the messages with your followers.
3. Volunteer with Other Organizations
You can make a difference during this time by volunteering, here are some sample opportunities:
Kids Help Phone: the organization has seen a 350% increase in kids contacting the help line and are looking to recruit 100 new volunteers a week, apply here.
Food Banks Canada: food banks are in great need of healthy volunteers and donations, find your local food bank here to donate to and volunteer at.Â
Friendly Neighbour Hotline: volunteer to pick up essentials for seniors living in low-income housing, find more information here.
United Way:Â there are virtual volunteering opportunities such as information and referral agents, or doing phone calls and check-ins on vulnerable citizens, to understand such opportunities contact president@uwgt.org
Connect with Neighbours in Need: join a facebook group providing help to neighbours in need, visit the Good Neighbour Project and the TO Community Response.
Michael Garron Hospital 1000 Masks:Â make masks for East York community, click here.
Join Volunteer Toronto’s COVID Response Team: help with driving, pick-ups, remote client support for non-profits across the city, click here.
Create Stay Home Care Packages for Elderly in the GTA: see the Facebook page here to donate or volunteer to help with distribution, tech, or coordination.
4. Make Masks at Home
Some hospitals are now beginning to accept hand-sewn masks as an alternative to traditional, disposable masks, since these are in short supply. If you are able to make masks at home, please see the Canada Sews Facebook Page and the Michael Garron 1000 Masks Challenge website for guidance on patterns and materials, and Sampler, a Toronto startup offering mask sewing kits. And see here for information on which organizations are accepting donations of hand sewn masks.Â
For Businesses
1. Fund the Frontlines
Contribute to The Home Front’s fundraiser to direct funds to charities with the highest needs in service of the mission to combat the PPE shortage and arm our front lines with the resources they need. Our team is working to deeply understand the greatest challenges facing the Canadian healthcare system and our frontline healthcare workers in the fight against COVID-19, so that we can ensure your donations will go straight to the areas of greatest need. This campaign is run through The Upside Foundation of Canada (Charitable Registration No. 84528 3241 RR0001); all donations to this campaign will receive a full tax receipt.Â
 Please contact jennifer@upsidefoundation.ca if you'd like to discuss further.
Knix has done an incredible job activating their existing network of suppliers to quickly source high quality PPE and deploying it the areas of highest need. Contribute to Knix’s initiative to directly support the purchasing of N95 masks, surgical masks, and gloves. Please note: this is a direct support initiative rather than a charity fundraiser, so tax receipts cannot be given.
2. Donate Supplies
Many hospital-run PPE Drives are now accepting the following items:Â
PPE (personal protection equipment) including masks, gloves, and gowns. Unopened boxes preferred.Â
Medical supplies such as swabs, hand sanitizer, and medical grade wipes.Â
Baby monitors for staff to communicate with COVID-19 positive patients.Â
If you have these items and if you are able, please locate the PPE Drive nearest you using the map found here (created and constantly updated by #Findthemasks, with contributions from our friends at MaskAHero and #thePPEdrive) and drop off items directly.
If you are not able to drop off your donations directly, click the button below to request a pickup from generous volunteers at Land Rover Canada. If there are other large-scale contributions your business would like to make, please email partner@thehomefront.ca.Â
3. Donate Food or Accommodations
Meals or snacks for staff (fresh meals, granola bars, cookies, water, juice, wrapped chocolate or candy). Significant quantities of unopened individual packages preferred.Â
 Accommodations for healthcare workers to stay where they can be isolated (many fear bringing COVID-19 home and infecting their families).
4. Sell Supplies to the Government of Canada
If you are a manufacturer or business that can assist Canada in meeting the need for medical supplies, visit the Government of Canada's website to learn the specifications for products needed, and access the submission form to indicate your ability to produce medical supplies.Â
 If there are other ways you are looking to help with the fight against COVID-19 but aren’t sure where to start, feel free to reach out to general@homefront.ca: we’re happy to be of help if we can point you in the right direction.