Summer Company program goes virtual during pandemic
Enterprise Renfrew County is recruiting student entrepreneurs who are smart, ambitious and eager to explore the world of entrepreneurship! Funded by the Government of Ontario, the Summer Company program is available to Ontario students between the ages of 15 and 29, to start and operate their own business. Successful applicants will receive up to $1,500 to kick-start their business to help cover start-up costs and, upon successful completion; they will receive an additional award of up to $1,500. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Enterprise Renfrew County will deliver the Summer Company program virtually, via tele/video conferencing until further notice. With just seven (7) spaces available, they encourage students to apply at the earliest opportunity. Click HERE to visit their website.
Local businesses are stepping up to support our community during this pandemic and you can help them do it. Here are just two initiatives that make a difference; look around and you’ll find plenty more.
Coffee for essential workers
Want to help show appreciation for one of our local essential workers? Donate money towards providing snacks and coffee for local businesses who are working hard to provide essential services. Madawaska Coffee Co. will match all donations made. Each week provides coffee and snacks for essential workers at different Valley operations. To sponsor visit the cafe location, call 613-756-5656 or click here to buy a gift card online.
Cookies for the future of our girls
Barry’s Bay BIA president Derek Yuill says, “Girl Guides obviously cannot go out to sell cookies which is their largest means of fund raising, so Yuills Valumart and Barry’s Bay Metro are stepping up and have brought in cookies to sell on their behalf. 100 percent of profits towards Girl Guides of Canada.” Classic chocolate and vanilla mixed boxes are available in both stores at $5 per box. Brown Owl Stacie Pecarski said, “Barry’s Bay 1st Girl Guide Sparks, Brownies, Guides, Pathfinders, and Ranger Unit are thankful that our local stores are helping in the spring cookie campaign. Our girls use the cookie money to have new experiences and gain knowledge to achieve girl greatness.”
Healthcare help – including mental health support – not just for COVID-19 concerns
The Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (RC VTAC) was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen access to primary care for all Renfrew County residents. For Renfrew County residents who either do not have a family physician or cannot access their usual family physician, RC VTAC connects you if you have a health concern (including COVID-19 concerns) with 24/7 care and support from a family physician, nurse practitioner and/or community paramedic via phone, video or an in-home assessment. It also provides referrals to other services including mental health support. The RC VTAC is a collaboration between Renfrew County Family Health Teams, Community Health Centres, the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service, Renfrew County Hospitals and the Renfrew County and District Health Unit, with the support of Ontario Health East. Learn more at www.rcvtac.ca
Will you be first to see hummers in the Valley this year?
Be ready for the return of the hummingbirds. Prepare your feeders, check the map and record your sightings. Click HERE to visit Journey North.