Bashaw continues to be proactive in both energizing and supporting its community, and no virus is going to stop that.
When the federal and provincial responses to the COVID-19 crisis began in early March, organizations in Bashaw stepped up to work on keeping the community strong.
“Over the past three years, community leaders in Bashaw have worked diligently to collaborate together in an effort to support and strengthen the community. There are many success stories, but our biggest test has been this month during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis,” said Jackie Northey with Bashaw Adult Learning.
“Within a few days we had a website (bashawbriefs.com) up to provide accurate and credible information to the community. Teams were mobilized to address food security quickly as we anticipate families may need more support the longer measures are in place.”
Northey added the response has been amazing, considering the infrastructure of collaboration was already in place. That meant organizations were ready to work with individuals and families to meet their needs for information, referral, emotional support and access to services.
“Businesses had to make hard decisions about how to operate or to temporarily close in the interest of keeping our community safe. The majority of our snowbirds immediately went into self-isolation for the same reason. In general, our community is ready to cope with whatever comes next,” she said.
However, it was not just about mobilizing to ensure the people’s needs were being met.
“Keeping community members spirits and morale up is key to coping with the rapidly changing world,” Northey noted.
”The community supports are incredibly important, but so is the ability to find joy and connection while living through it.”
The result of that was the creation of the “Community Showdown Weekly Challenge” that began the week that school was closed.
“Do You Want to Build a Snowman? had families post pictures of their unique snowmen by March 22,” she said.
“There were 39 incredible submissions that were part of a community wide vote to win a $50 gift certificate to a Bashaw business.”
The following week was ‘Build it or Belt it’ — giving people the choice of either creating a Lego masterpiece or a lip sync video.
For Northey, these challenges are just another avenue to bring the community closer together and having some fun until the crisis and the restrictions surrounding it come to an end.
To follow along or participate, head to Facebook to check Northey’s page or the Bashaw Community Events page.