YMCA of Greater Saint John offers free curbside pickup and delivery service to those in need

For Immediate Release

The YMCA and United Way of Greater Saint John have partnered to launch the Y Home Delivery Service to serve members of the local community who lack the means to obtain critical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Y’s large base of staff and volunteers will coordinate the free curbside delivery and pick-up of essential items for vulnerable persons. The program launched on Monday, April 20, and is currently being offered to residents of the Y’s service area, which stretches from St. Stephen to Sussex.

“As a Y, we pride ourselves on always being there for our community to help enrich lives and, in this case, provide necessities to those in need right now,” said Shilo Boucher, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Saint John.

Amidst the viral outbreak, there are many individuals and families within the Greater Saint John Area who cannot leave their homes to pick up essential supplies. The Y will provide this vital community service with support from the United Way’s Atlantic Compassion Fund to individuals who may be elderly, disabled, have no transportation, or are single-parent households with young children.
“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 the United Way Saint John, Kings, and Charlotte Counties.

“The United Way was looking for a strong community partner to fill this gap with the support of our Atlantic Compassion Fund. We were thrilled when the Saint John Y stepped up by creating its Y Home Delivery Service.”

Volunteers will follow all physical distancing and precautionary protocols. They will be provided with safety supplies, including hand sanitizer, masks, and gloves. Supplies will be picked up curbside and will be dropped off on recipients’ doorsteps. Volunteers communicate with those requiring this service by phone.

Those in need of essential items are asked to call +1-506-646-2387. Callers are asked to please leave a message with their names and contact information so that the Y can determine eligibility for this program. Messages are checked frequently from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The YMCA of Greater Saint John is a charity dedicated to the growth of all persons in spirit, mind, and body with a sense of responsibility to each other and the global community. We are a family working together to serve 17,000+ people across the Greater Saint John Area who believe in helping children and families reach their full potential. We are a charity dedicated to strengthening the foundations of our community.

The Y has been serving our community for over 165 years. But during these unprecedented times, the Y needs your help more than ever to be able to serve those most in need in our community. Donations will continue to be accepted during this pause of regular Y programming.

Please visit www.saintjohny.com to make your gift and help the YMCA continue supporting those in need.

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For further information, please contact:

Kristen Clayton
Chief Development Officer
YMCA of Greater Saint John
Telephone: +1-506-634-4927
Email: k.clayton@saintjohny.ca

Alexya Heelis
Interim Executive Director
United Way Saint John, Kings, and Charlotte Counties
Telephone: +1-506-643-1383
Email: Alexya@unitedwaysaintjohn.com