CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — A man approached a Charlottetown landlord looking for an inexpensive place to stay while isolating. But the essential worker wasn’t looking to get it for free. So he offered to pay – with lobsters.
Donald Maclean laughed at the memory.
“He’s from the Maritimes.”
Maclean says he and other members of the Charlottetown Short-term Rental Association began donating spaces for essential workers to isolate when COVID-19 hit P.E.I. in March.
“When people asked how much it would be, we said whatever you could afford,” he said. “We were glad we could help."
That spirit of community has continued this fall as members of the group began reaching out to people through their Facebook page to raise money for the Upper Room food bank. About 40 people answered the call and contributed to the fund.
Maclean and Terrie Williams, another association founder, were able to present a cheque for $2,275 to the food bank.
Although everybody has been affected by COVID-19, including the association, Maclean said he's proud to be a part of a group of good people who enjoy helping and giving back.
Nicole Ward, event co-ordinator with the Upper Room food bank, says the charity is grateful for the community support it receives year-round.
“The Island spirit here is incredible," she said. "People always come together to support one another when called upon.”
It’s always important to support local organizations but especially during this challenging time, Maclean said.
“More now than ever, we need to support local and to keep that money local. In that mindset, we are helping people around us," he said.
“That's why we drew some money together to give to the food bank and try to help people in need in Charlottetown."
The association hopes to make fundraising an annual activity to help more people, Maclean said.
