File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Daniela Ginta

The Way I See It

GINTA: Doing the right thing for the community counts more than ever

Oct 26, 2020 | 2:01 PM

THE WEEKDAY 3:00 P.M. UPDATE ON COVID-19 is this weird event that we all dread and yet cannot wait to hear. We are all hoping to see that curve take a downturn or at least flatten rather than hear about yet another higher-than-expected count.

I know, there’s hope yet. Plus, as many of us living here say, Kamloops is doing so well. Yes, we are. There’s no magic involved either.

Most people wear masks in stores and they use sanitizer or wash their hands more often. It works. I’ve seen a couple of people head into larger stores and then promptly exiting with a huff when being told they have to wear a mask.

However, some of the small local stores seem a bit hesitant to remind customers of these basic precautions. Let’s be proactive and do our part, because that means supporting them and supporting ourselves by keeping our local economy alive and thriving.

The opening of schools has been — and still is — uncomfortable for many, but again, so far, things have gone well. Most parents are keeping their kids home when they are sick which reduces the risk of spreading respiratory diseases in general. Winter will be a big one to work with but here’s hoping.

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We are just about to wrap up a successful as can be summer of farmer’s market Saturdays and Wednesdays and guess what? No negative events. On the contrary.

The farmer’s market ends October 31st.

During peak hours, people waited patiently to get in and many were wearing masks. For all of this smooth running of what was not initially embraced as a good idea (though it proved to be great), a big shout-out to the manager, the board, and all the volunteers who made it possible. And it’s not over yet, which brings me to the next point.

According to the provincial health authority and Dr. Bonnie Henry, we are in the second wave of this pandemic. Aside from hoping that with everyone’s effort the numbers won’t go much higher, we must continue to support our local economy, food items in the first place. We’ll all be better off in the long run, with or without a pandemic.

The farmer’s market will wrap up soon, but our hardworking farmers are not going anywhere. If you want to support them you can even buy online or stay tuned for information on a possible winter market. It’s not just edible stuff but crafts and so much more that our local small businesses offer.

Then there’s the many local food stores that have you covered for more than the basic stuff. They are small but mighty. The bonus feature of shopping locally is getting to know the people who work in these small stores and contributing to keeping the money in the community.

As for Christmas shopping, that’s a big one. Not everyone is into gifts perhaps, but if you are, look locally before you go online. Buy gift cards that will help local businesses and also, if you have the means, please consider donating to local charities and the food bank. Way too many people are struggling and a winter that has come too soon is only accentuating that.

Times are challenging and we all miss the normalcy of previous years. However, if there’s something this pandemic has revealed, it’s the necessity to rely as much as possible on the local economy — country-wide, too — which keeps people employed and keeps more money in the community.

This is the time when we ought to count on each other in all possible ways — wearing masks to protect ourselves and others; shopping locally for everyday needs and also for big holiday purchases (that includes visiting the thrift store, many of which are run by volunteers and raise money for worthy local causes); donating money and food to help those less fortunate in our community.

Most of all, showing kindness toward fellow humans whenever possible and, according to Dalai Lama, ‘It is always possible.’ A worthy goal to aim for, and to make sure, one that does not repress the social discourse at any level. It just makes it better and it makes us all more considerate.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.