Diabetes Canada puts clothing donations on hold amid coronavirus pandemic

The Canadian Diabetes Association is asking people to hold onto their clothing donations for the time being due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The association normally delivers donations to its retail partner, but due to the closure of stores throughout the country, Diabetes Canada has had to suspend operations immediately.

Sean Shannon, the CEO of National Diabetes Trust, explains that having the donations sit in bins is actually more of a burden to the association.

“Ironically, people think they are being helpful in a COVID-19 world, but they are actually being unhelpful because that donation, which would have been monetized, is actually costing the charity money to be taken to the dumps,” Shannon said.

Shannon said that the association is always in need of donations, and if someone wants to give back during this time, donating money through the website is the best option.

The clothing donations generate around $5 million a year for Diabetes Canada. Shannon explains that the organization will start collecting donations again once non-essential services reopen.

Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.

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