There’s a new volunteer service helping out those at risk in the community.
Adopt A Grandparent Saint John was created in early April to reduce the stress on citizens during the pandemic.
Mikel Lester, a civil engineer in training, said he started up the Facebook group after he saw how popular it was in other cities.
“I kind of recognized the problem a couple of times when I was shopping and kind of realized there was a lot of seniors out considering the risk,” he said.
Lester said when he goes to grocery stores he still sees a large number of senior citizens out and he wanted to help.
“Someone who is at risk, maybe you’re ill, and going out in public and doing some shopping right now might pose some dangers. We’re here to support, we’re here to help you keep your social distancing and stay home during this time,” he said.
The volunteers do what they can to limit contact by having the grocery money reimbursed with cash or via a transfer and deliver the groceries to the door.
Lester said there are over 50 people in the Saint John, Rothesay and Grand Bay-Westfield areas willing to help out through the Facebook group.
“It’s been crazy how many people have reached out, looking to help,” he said.
Lester said the biggest challenge is reaching people in need who may not have social media and can’t get to the Facebook page.
He says if someone is in need of a grocery pickup, you can go to their Facebook page or email adoptagrandparentsj@gmail.com.
