The two Cool Aid Mobile Health Clinics, powered by TELUS Health, are specially equipped mobile vans helping address the vital need for primary health care.
But March 11 was like flipping a switch. It was the day the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic, Tom Hanks was diagnosed and the NBA cancelled its season. And, oh, Vancouver Island saw its first COVID case, a man in his 60s, just back from Egypt. After that, the world we had taken for granted disappeared as the great shutdown began. First to fall, all the events. Michelle Obama’s sold-out Victoria talk was cancelled. Figure skater Kurt Browning, having flown here for three shows, never got a blade on the ice. The Royals’ season was over. Ditto for the TC10K and the book sale.
That $125,000 donation is the largest in the 65-year history of the Christmas Fund. It came from a family that was one of the driving forces behind the Rapid Relief Fund in the spring. “We are inspired by the tremendous response of the donors to the Christmas Fund and the ongoing efforts of the non-profit agencies and their many volunteers working hard during this time of widespread need in our community,” Robert Jawl, representing the Jawl family, said in making the donation. “We feel fortunate to be able to join them in their efforts to get us through this challenging time.”