Update #2: March 20, 2020
We are in unprecedented times right now, as we all try to keep everyone as safe as possible. SIRCH has many different programs and while all contribute to the community, some are much more essential—such as providing food to residents who have little or none, and providing a lifeline to very vulnerable families in the community.
We, as many others, have had to make very difficult decisions. At this time, we are putting our resources and energies into programs that serve the most vulnerable to ensure that those who have no income or are ill or have used their resources are able to eat. And supporting families who are connected with us and living in very vulnerable situations. We are working with food banks and other organizations to provide a comprehensive and coordinated response to the needs in our community.
As of today, Friday March 20, 2020:
Thrift Warehouse Haliburton, which is currently closed for re-organizing, will continue to be closed.
Thrift Warehouse Bancroft will close as of 4:00 p.m. today and will continue to be closed. We will re-organize and thoroughly clean our stores, and re-assess the situation as we go along.
After today, the SIRCH office at 49 Maple Ave and SIRCH Central at 2 Victoria Street in Haliburton will be closed to the public. The office will be available to staff but no one other than SIRCH personnel will be allowed in. Some staff will be working remotely.
CAPC/CPNP participants, here and in City of Kawartha Lakes, will be supported by phone and text and we will work with each family to ensure they have their basic needs met.
Catering for a Cause is closed until further notice.
The Community Kitchen is working with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Health Unit, to be able to safely increase our numbers of free frozen meals. After a conference call with FoodNet, our intent is to continue to supply the food banks, but because at this time there are no food banks or other free food options open on weekends, we are working to come up with a plan to allow people to pick up frozen meals at SIRCH Central during limited hours on Saturdays and Sundays starting March 28, 2020. That will be done without contact with those picking up.
Ready for Retail will be closed effective today. Our program is based on meaningful interaction and placements. Until we can provide that environment, we will close the program and hope to be able to re-open it and complete the training at a future point as yet unknown.
We will be making decisions on Cook It Up, based on discussions with the Health Unit, in the near future.
“I am very appreciative for the commitment and caring demonstrated by our staff and volunteers both in Haliburton County and Bancroft. I have appreciated all comments, suggestions and willingness to be flexible as we navigate these unknown waters. I also appreciate being in such a caring community,” said Gena Robertson, SIRCH’s Executive Director.