How People Continue to Virtually Give During Covid-19

During this time of self isolation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many people worldwide are continuing to give virtually. Some people are starting a new daily giving program to help them and others feel happier as we shelter in place. Not only is this good for the world, its good for you. Giving raises our spirits and makes us feel good. Help yourself while helping others and spread joy and kindness around the world. Here are just a few of the many inspirational stories of virtual giving across the world.

Global Virtual Gives

Viral Youtuber, Mr. Beast, hosted a live streamed rock-paper-scissors tournament and awarded a grand prize of $250,000 for charity. The prize ultimately went to the CDC Foundation for Covid-19 relief. In the process, players also donated to Covid-19 relief funds and Google matched every dollar raised with $2. The tournament made staying home fun, while giving to a great cause that is affecting us all.

Company Virtual Gives

Coffee giant Starbucks is making donations of food and money to aid organizations as they deal with the consequences of Covid-19. Locally, Starbucks will give a free coffee to anyone identifying as a first responder or front line worker.

Ford Fund is matching $500,000 in donations to worldwide projects as well as manufacturing masks and ventilators for hospitals and health care workers.

Audible has launched Audible stories to provide children and teens with free audiobooks during the pandemic. Many audio books are also being provided for free to those who subscribe to the online app.

Headspace meditation app is providing its service free to front line workers during the pandemic, as well as many free meditations, to offer peace and kindness during this time of uncertainty.

Telus Canada, an international telecom company, provided over 400 phones and tablets in response to a request from Vancouver North Shore libraries to provide their community members in need with continued access to the libraries resources while they are closed during Covid-19.

A Vancouver shoe manufacturer, John Fluevog, designed a limited edition shoe in honour of Dr. Bonnie Henry, the BC Provincial Health Officer and is donating all proceeds to local food banks. The shoe sold out in under 3 hours and crashed the site multiple times due to the worldwide interest. Dr. Henry’s quote of “Be Kind, Be Calm, Be Safe” will be written on the sole of each shoe.

Virtual Animal Gives

The Vancouver Whitecaps FC joined forces with the Vancouver Aquarium in Canada to save the world-renowned Aquarium and Research centre while its doors are closed during Covid-19. The Whitecaps designed and sold fabric masks for $20 online and sold over 42,000 in the first two days.

Virtual People Gives

A nurse in Burnaby, BC, Canada, contracted Covid-19. During her quarantine she asked friends and family to tie a ribbon around a tree outside her house, and send her a picture, to cheer her up during recovery. She pledged to make a donation for every ribbon and picture sent. She is now donating $6,400 from her own savings to a variety of organizations –  Burnaby Hospital Foundation and Care Canada’s COVID-19 relief fund, which work to empower women and girls around the world. “This is not about me,” she said. “This about overcoming adversity, gratitude, coming together and giving back.”

Virtual Giving is Up to You

These are just a few samples of the generosity of people and companies worldwide during this time of uncertainty and distress. Changing the world happens when we all work together toward a unified goal. Everyone has the opportunity to give from their heart and from their homes during self isolation orders. Reach out to neighbours, friends and family and spread joy and kindness to make the days a little brighter in your neighbourhood and around the world. Together we can make the world a happier place, one give at a time.

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