COVID-19 has presented many challenges. We saw an abrupt end to our in-person meetings in mid-March as the Province of Nova Scotia declared a state of emergency and restricted gatherings of more than five people and asked citizens to "Stay the Blazes Home" except when necessary to go out.
Rotarians are by nature people of action. While many of our projects and social gatherings were postponed or cancelled, we did not sit idly by. By mid-April, our club held its first weekly virtual meeting. The Board and club committees also moved to virtual meetings and conference calls. We quickly pivoted to assisting with the pandemic. Our first response was a donation to our local food banks. Our biggest project was teaming up with the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation (VRHF) to help fund, produce and distribute non-medical masks. Together with the VRHF and community volunteers, we are proud to have created close to 10,000 masks, most of which have been donated to fill needs within the community. Our thanks to Rod McMahon, Ellen Crowley and Heather Lohr for their leadership on this project.
