COVID-19 Response Letter from the Bayshore Foundation

Dear Supporters and Friends,

We are living in unprecedented times. Over just a few months, the global COVID-19 outbreak has unsettled us and reshaped our lives. Each day seems more troubling than the last – yet there is also hope and resilience. We’re deeply grateful for the courageous health care workers on the front lines, including our own team. We’re also heartened by the innumerable stories of neighbours, strangers and communities working together to help those in need.

The Bayshore Foundation for Empowered Living was created by Bayshore HealthCare to fund registered charities that support those living with injury, illness or aging – people who are especially vulnerable during a widespread health crisis. As a result of COVID-19, our charity partners need help more than ever – read on to see how we’re responding.

Our charity partners need our help now more than ever. We would like to share with you how our colleagues at Bayshore are responding at this challenging time. The safety of Bayshore’s clients, their families, and staff is always the greatest priority. In addition to monitoring and sharing information from health authorities, Bayshore follows processes designed to safeguard against COVID-19. These include:

• Informing front line and office staff of Infection Prevention and Control Policies and Procedures for client screening. Bayshore’s standard practice is for health care workers to actively screen before contact with clients in homes, care facilities or infusion clinics.
• Conducting screening by phone before arrival or at the start of the visit from a safe distance of two metres. If a client responds “yes” to screening questions, the health care worker will put on personal protective equipment, such as a mask, gloves and a gown, before entering the home or care facility.
• Instructing staff who have travelled outside of Canada to self-isolate for 14 days, in accordance with Government of Canada recommendations.

The Foundation team would also like to reiterate the following steps for reducing exposure to COVID-19 and preventing the spread of illness:

• Practise social distancing. Stay at least two metres away from other people. Avoid crowded places and non-essential gatherings. Avoid interactions with anyone who is ill, and limit contact with vulnerable people such as older adults and anyone with a health condition or compromised immune system.
• If you become ill, isolate yourself at home and call your primary care provider’s office. You can also use the Government of Canada’s self-assessment tool.
• Practise good hand hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly for 20 seconds with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, before preparing foods or eating, and after using the washroom. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Cough/sneeze into your arm/elbow (rather than your hands).
• If you use a tissue, dispose of it as soon as possible and wash your hands afterward.
• Do not share food, drinks, utensils, etc.

Read the latest information about COVID-19 from the Government of Canada.

How you can help

Over the next few months, the Foundation will be working with our charity partners to address some of the most pressing needs our communities are facing. Fundraising efforts have been compromised by COVID-19, and they need your help.

Until July 1, you can increase your impact with a 50% matching donation from the Foundation. For example, if you donate $10 through the Foundation, the charity will receive $15. If you donate $20, the charity receives $30, and so on.

To contribute, click the “Donate Now” button below and scroll down to “Fund” to select a charity.

Together, let’s make a difference. Thank you for your generosity and support!

DONATE NOW

Sincerely,

Stuart Cottrelle
President, Bayshore HealthCare

John Lawrence
Director, Bayshore Foundation