Coronavirus: Resources available to Calgarians amid COVID-19 pandemic

The novel coronavirus continues to spread on a global level since late last year.

On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) described the outbreak as a pandemic.

As the number of confirmed cases in Alberta continues to rise, Premier Jason Kenney declared a state of public health emergency in Alberta over the pandemic on Tuesday.

The province has enacted aggressive measures to slow the spread, including banning gatherings of groups of 50 or more.

Citizens are also banned from public places like casinos, bingo halls, theatres, children’s play centres, recreation centres and arenas, science centres, museums and art galleries, community centres, fitness facilities, and entertainment facilities like movie theatres.

During a time of uncertainty, many organizations are offering resources to help Calgarians during the provincial outbreak.

Here’s a full breakdown:

AA Calgary

Alcoholics Annonymous will be offering online meetings to its Calgary members every Sunday, Monday and Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.

For more information click here.

Alberta Health Services

AHS released an overview of the support being given to Albertans during the COVID-19 pandemic, including information on student loan repayment deferral, a utility payment holiday initiative and Alberta credit unions.

AHS has also released a list of resources and tips for mental health wellness that can be viewed here.

Arbour Lake Community Association

The group has created an “adopt-a-neighbour” Facebook page to connect community members in need with volunteers in the area.

For more information, click here.

Aujla Restaurant

The restaurant is offering free dinners to international students and those who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The dinner is offered daily between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids

The organization has created a response fund and is now offering grocery gift cards to families previously receiving lunches.

The learn more or donate to the response fund, click here.

Calgary CO-OP

The organization is offering free delivery Calgary CO-OP Care packages to those ordered to quarantine.

The organization is also activating special shopping hours every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. for seniors and those living with disabilities.

To request a care package, click here.

Calgary Domestic Violence Collective

Officials said “emergency services and other support services will remain accessible during this ever-evolving situation.”

While several in-person programs have closed, the family violence information line is open and prepared for increased call volumes.

Calgary Food Bank

On March 19 the food bank is starting emergency hamper distribution, with drive-thru pickup.

The Hamper Request Line can be reached at (403) 253-2055.

Canadian Mental Health Association of Calgary

The centre closed its doors and temporarily cancelled non-critical programming. However, peer support will be offered over the phone.

For more information, click here.

Centre for Sexuality

The centre closed its doors to the public on March 17, but will offer counselling sessions over the phone.

For more information, click here.

Carya Calgary 

The organization is delivering food hampers to isolated seniors and families in the city.

The agency is also offering emotional supports, including counselling and outreach programs.

For more information, click here.

City of Calgary

The city has compiled a hub of information for local business owners. The website includes links to recent provincial and federal announcements and local resources for businesses to access.

For more information, click here.

Dahmesh Culture Centre

The centre have opened their kitchen to Calgarians who “require a hot, vegetarian meal, free of charge.”

The Gurdwara, located at 135 Martindale Blvd Northeast will supply anyone in need with a hot meal, each day between 9 a.m., and 6 p.m. Volunteers will also deliver meals to those in self-isolation within a 5-kilometre radius.

Calgary Public Library

The library offers free access to books, movies and education online.

All online services can be accessed for free by library cardholders here.

Calgary Transit

City Council today adopted a motion to have the March low-income transit pass roll over to April.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi said it’s “the right action in a time of local emergency and it will do so much to help Calgary’s vulnerable population.”

Calgary Zoo

The zoo has started sharing Daily Dose at Home videos on its Instagram page.

The videos offer behind-the-scenes zoo activity during the temporary closure to keep people engaged with the zoo’s conservation and animal care programs.

Children’s Grief Centre

The centre launched a Text and Chat service on Thursday, to provide emotional support to children and teens.

Officials said the new service will reduce barriers to accessing services at the centre, especially while it’s closed due to COVID-19 concerns.

Classroom Champions

The organization is making its Classroom Champions SEL Foundations curriculum free and available to everyone.

The organization is also creating a toolkit for families that includes lessons and activities.

Classroom Champions will also host live chats every day with Olympic and Paralympic athlete mentors starting March 23. For more information, click here.

Crescent Heights Community Association

The association is offering help to nearby residents with everyday tasks, including getting groceries or medication, walking a dog or even just offering someone to talk to during times of isolation.

For more information, click here.

Distress Centre

The centre is offering 24-hour phone and email crisis support.

While the office doors are closed, officials said daily chat and text for youth support and counselling to those in crisis will be available at any hour to community members.

Esker Foundation

The organization has expanded access to its digital services. The foundation is posting new content weekly, including audio, videos and interviews for the public during self-isolation.

Glenbow Museum

The museum is offering interactive art sessions three times a week.

The sessions include activities, tours and presentations for both adults and children.

Immigrant Services Calgary 

The organization has made several services available online to the public, including therapy and counselling, interpretation and translation services.

The in-home support program and employment-bridging services can also be accessed online.

For more information, click here.

Kerby Centre 

The ‘Thrive’ outreach program is being expanded. The program delivers groceries to seniors within a certain income bracket. That income bracket has been removed and the centre will now serve all seniors in need during the facility’s closure.

Morneau Shepell

The organization launched a new internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy program, specifically designed to address anxieties related to COVID-19.

The digital program, guided by professional therapists, can be accessed with any smartphone or tablet.

My Body Couture

The organization is offering online live classes and pre-recorded movement classes.

You can visit their website here.

Online Fitness

Several studios across Calgary are hosting online fitness classes during city-wide closures due to COVID-19.

The classes are available through Youtube, Instagram, Facebook and websites.

For a full list of online classes, click here.

PCHS Calgary

The organization is “providing support to the community and our clients with counselling through video calls, email and phone.

The organization can be reached at (587) 999-9312

Pen Pals YYC

The group is sending letters of hope to seniors throughout the city during a time of isolation due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The group is encouraging members of the public to send in their own letters. For more information, click here.

Prospect Human Services

The not-for-profit organization’s employment service is helping displaced workers prepare for economic recovery through upskilling, resume enhancements and practicing interview skills.

For more information, click here.

Social Distancing Festival

The online festival was made to celebrate and showcase artists work during the COVID-19 outbreak. The website includes artwork and livestreams.

Work can be viewed and submitted here.

Sprawl Kids

The organization is offering free daily online workshops.

The classes are to help parents occupy their children with daily tasks during school closures due to COVID-19.

The Blues Can

The Blues Can is live-streaming shows to the public. In a Facebook post, organizers asked audiences to email pictures of their faces so “we can print them and make ourselves a virtual audience!”

Pictures can be sent to info@thebluescan.com.

For more information on upcoming live-streams, click here.

Wild Rose Community Connections

The organization is extending its services into the community “for those that need assistance or supplies during this period of self-isolation or for some, mandatory quarantine, WRCC volunteers will deliver either medications or groceries directly to your home.”

For more information on the service, click here.

Woods Home Counselling

The organization is offering no-charge counselling services to Calgarians of any age in need.

The crisis counselling services include live-chat, texting, e-therapy and over the phone counselling. Information on the counselling services is available here.

Yegra Ethiopian Restaurant

The restaurant will deliver free fresh food to “the most vulnerable people at this very difficult time.”

YWCA Calgary

The organization is making its services available from home, including counselling sessions by phone and video calls.

— Updates to come