UCT members don’t let COVID-19 get them down

The last six months have been surreal in so many ways. Mask wearing. Social distancing. Sheltering in place. Locking down. These are concepts that had no place in most of our worlds before spring 2020. Still, we’ve all taken deep breaths and slowly but surely adjusted to this “new normal” that our lives have become. We’re human, that’s what we do.

Our members are special humans, as far as UCT is concerned. While they’ve followed the guidelines for staying safe during COVID-19, nothing, not even a pandemic, can stop them from continuing to do what they do best – making a difference in their communities. Kudos to the councils that have stepped up and stepped out, as safely and carefully as they can, despite COVID-19 to support causes and charities that matter to them:

Here’s to Louise Gauthier of Kelowna West Council 1003 in Kelowna, British Columbia who, despite unusual conditions due to the pandemic, raised funds for the Walk to end ALS, a cause dear to her heart as her mother passed away from the nervous order disease. Louise surpassed her $1,000 goal by collecting over $2,000 from friends and fellow members and through a recyclable cans and bottles drive.

In spite of the pandemic, Calgary, Alberta Council 1014 made the effort to donate $2,000 to the Alzheimer Society of Calgary and $3,000 to the Veterans Association Food Bank.

Like every other UCT local council, Sudbury, Ontario Council 1051 has had to postpone meetings and activities during the pandemic. The council did, however, help the local community by donating $3,000 to Elgin Street Mission to supply over 800 hot meals to homeless individuals and to contribute $3,000 to the Infant Food Bank.

Kudos to the members of Gem City Council 3 in Dayton, Ohio, who turned out to place flags on the graves of veterans at Forest Hill Memorial Park in honor of Memorial Day.

Members of Lincoln, Nebraska Council 104 didn’t let COVID stop them from building a wheel chair ramp for the Hiatt family from Rising City. Bristol Hiatt has Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls and leads to severe impairments, affecting nearly every aspect of the child’s life: their ability to speak, walk, eat, and even breathe easily. The family is to be the recipient of Council 104’s 5th Annual Car Cruise/Poker Run Fundraiser on August 2.

Jean Thomas and Kathy Chisholm of Regina, Saskatchewan Council 266 haven’t let the pandemic slow them down. The pair recently observed social distancing while preparing baskets for the Palliative Care project.

Big thanks to Judy Hamilton of Fraternal Council 380 in Jackson, Ohio for doing her part to take care of her fellow members during the COVID pandemic. Judy made masks for all of the Council 380 members and delivered them safely and without contact.

Members of Elgin, Indiana Council 412 decorated their front yards to commemorate Memorial Day 2020. The council usually places flags on about 70 veteran’s graves at Bluff City Cemetery, but decided not to do so this year because of COVID-19, but they still wanted to acknowledge the holiday.

Bathurst, New Brunswick Council 827 helped out during the pandemic by donating $500 Bathurst High School to help with 2020 graduation celebrations.

Members of Cape Breton Council 883 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, presented five university bursaries (scholarships) of $500 each to local students who will be attending Cape Breton University in the fall.

Minnedosa, Manitoba Council 926 didn’t let anything get in the way of them presenting a $2,000 donation to Valley Life Beginnings, a group raising money to start a second day care facility in Minnedosa. The council has been busy during the pandemic making donations to worthy community causes, including a $300 contribution to the Minnedosa Regional Library to help with its summer reading program.

We’re proud of our members’ efforts to look out for their communities – and each other – during this pandemic. We mean it when we say they’re special people. They show that every day and never let us down. Thank you, UCT members!