Alberta is recognizing more than 1,000 groups that have stepped up to support the province in a myriad of ways during the COVID-19 health crisis.
The government said Friday that support has “poured in” from more than 1,100 non-profit and private organizations across the province, from those making and distributing hand sanitizer to hospital gowns.
According to the government, the Bits and Pieces program is named after an initiative that had the same name and was launched by the federal government during the Second World War. That program saw manufacturers and suppliers come together to support the war effort.
“That is the kind of spirit I’m calling on Albertans to exhibit today,” Premier Jason Kenney said.
“If you are a manufacturer, if you produce goods that could be in any way useful to this fight against the pandemic, we ask you to come forward, offer your help and show us the kind of Alberta spirit in innovation in production that we can generate to help fight the pandemic.”
Kenney said he was “deeply touched” by the outpouring of support the Emergency Management Agency has already received.
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“When times are tough, Alberta’s spirit of ingenuity and generosity always answers the call,” he said.
The government said it has received offers of various supplies, including:
- Hotel rooms
- Mobile trailers
- Food and water
- Hospital Gowns
- Face masks
- Ventilators
- Sanitizer
- Bedding
- Other personal protective equipment
- Passenger and commercial vehicles
The government said trailers being supplied by ATCO could possibly be used for COVID-19 testing sites, treatment centres or quarantine options, especially in remote or rural areas.
The program also recognizes a group of researchers at the University of Alberta who are working to make a virus-killing mask.
Municipal Affairs Minister Kaycee Madu also praised the groups and individuals who have offered all they can to support those who need help.
“We look at every submission and we respond to the ones that have the potential to meet a need,” Madu said.
“This will help us meet the demand for critical products and services and to keep Albertans safe.”
Anyone who wants to offer support to the pandemic response is asked to visit alberta.ca/covid19 online and find the links about the Bits and Pieces program.
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