A delivery service to bring essential items to those in need has been kick-started by two non-profits in Saint John
The Y Home Delivery Service, which is a partnership between the YMCA of Greater Saint John and United Way Saint John, will provide curbside delivery and pickup for vulnerable people from St. Stephen to Sussex.
Starting this week, residents can call (506) 646-2387 and leave a message with their name and numbers. The Y will then connect with a volunteer to help bring items to the caller.
A release issued by the YMCA said the service will be invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“One need that has emerged as a result of social isolation is access to essentials, like groceries, medications, and other critical supplies,” said Alexya Heelis, interim executive director of United Way Saint John.
The collaboration came after United Way received deluge of phone calls from residents looking for assistance.
“The YMCA was really looking to see how we could help people outside of what we were already doing for our members,” said Adrienne Boudreau, chief operating officer for the YMCA.
The service relies on the Y’s volunteer base, a group which Boudreau says has gone out of its way to help the community during the pandemic.
“We’ve always been able to count on our volunteers, that’s what makes the YMCA run,” Boudreau said. “I think everybody just wants to help our community.”
