It’s been a long few months in Cabbagetown since the global pandemic hit our little neighouhood. As a community we are adjusting to our new normal. So many things are different…a new way of picking up supplies, a new way to walk down the street, a new way to stand next to each other. What has remained the same, if not grown stronger is our sense of community. With that in mind, long time Cabbagetown resident Shawna Pereira has organized a community purchase of FRONT LINE 2020 Care Bags through local Canadian gift catering company Wonderkind.ca
The initial call out and details were published on social media asking Cabbagetown residents to purchase a FRONT LINE 2020 Care Bag to be donated to one of the many business that have remained open along Parlaiment Street during the pandemic. From the cashiers at NoFrills who stand behind the plexi glass ringing through our groceries to the security guard on duty at the LCBO keeping people at a distance in line.
The local pharmacies that have remained open so we can still access our medications to the pizza makers, cooks and servers at our local hang outs who come into work and cook for us so we can order in. These are our local hero’s who have all come to work for our community to help keep our new Cabbagetown normal….normal. These are people who don’t have the luxury to work from home. Many travel to work via public transit. All of them, working with the public and putting themselves out there during these uncertain COVID 19 times. The Care Bags are meant to convey our gratitude as a community while providing a small token of thanks and to recognize the efforts on the Parliament Street Front Line. All canvas bags say FRONT LINE 2020 and contain a variety of Canadian made goods from across the country including a non-medical double lined face mask and hand sanitizer. First round of bags were delivered to The House on Parliament and St.James Town Steak and Chops. The Cabbagetown Challenge is still running and if you wish to contribute and donate a bag please visit: https://wonderkind.ca/front-line-2020/. Be sure to add: Cabbagtown on the gift tag when ordering and select “Free local pick up” as delivery arrangements will be made. Next bag drop off will go to NoFrills.