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Non-profits tackle topical health issue |
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Written by Caroline Zentner LETHBRIDGE HERALD
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Tuesday, November 24 2009, 8:47 PM |
Local non-profit agencies appreciate community donations because they help them serve their clients better but concern over the potential for donations to spread the H1N1 virus was the focus of a recent meeting among several organizations.
The virus can live on clothing for two to eight hours, said Diana Sim, partnerships manager with the YWCA, and that prompted her to invite local charities to talk about their mutual concerns, including dealing with donations while the H1N1 virus is circulating.
“We just basically have to get a process in place internally to ensure that our clients, our volunteers and our staff don’t become infected through donations that come in,” she said.
While volunteers and staff who handle donations already wear gloves and masks, the YWCA could consider leaving donated items unpacked until the eight-hour time period has elapsed.
A common issue for organizations brought up at the meeting was the unsuitability of some donations.
“All of us get things that go right into the garbage bin,” Sim said. “It’s important to note that, yes, we still depend on and count on the generosity of the community to give in-kind donations but in respect of the health of our clients and the people that we serve, we would just like to remind people how important it is to bring in clean, gently used items that the various charities can make use of.”
Sim’s general guideline is if a piece of clothing isn’t in good-enough shape to be given to a family member, then don’t give it to a woman in crisis. If an item of clothing has missing buttons, a zipper that doesn’t work, or has stains or rips and tears, then it’s not suitable for donation.
“We couldn’t serve the clients as we do without the generosity of the community but this is just a way they can help us better,” she said.
Sometimes the YWCA also gets donations that are better suited to a different charitable organization.
“I would encourage the community to call their charity of choice and find out what items they need the most for the clients they serve,” Sim said. “Each organization needs to be sure that they are clear on the items they need and help the community understand what their policy is.”
The agencies decided to continue meeting twice a year to support each other better. Other organizations interested in joining the group can call Sim at 403-329-0088.
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