While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the community, a Wallaceburg business is stepping up to offer assistance to individuals in need.
In a letter delivered to local media, Randy Furlan, the president and CEO of North Element, said he asked his employees if they would want to help people that may have no family or people that need help in the area.
“With no hesitation the response was ‘yes’,” Furlan said.
“I was very happy to say the least. I want to dedicate some resources to see if there is anyone out there that may need assistance in and around the town of Wallaceburg.”
Furlan added: “This would be people that are in self isolation, senior citizens that need some help, people that have mobility challenges, people with compromised immune systems or people that have fear of going out in public even to get their life essential needs.”
Furlan said North Element staff will take phone calls at their office at 519-627-0661 between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Friday.
“Offering to pick up groceries, medicine or any other essential supplies needed by individuals,” Furlan said.
“Don’t know how much of a need there is out there, but if anyone needs help please let us be your extended family. I will have my staff ask a few questions and assist anyone that is in need.”
Furlan said North Element has been testing and documenting all employees body temperatures every morning prior to starting their workday.
“To assure that we are doing our part ti keep everyone safe and to do our part to contain the spreading of the virus,” he said.
“Having said that all staff will always ensure proper protection and social distancing during their visits and be vigilent in personal hygiene.”
Furlan said if people do need assistance, North Element staff will show up in a white SUV company vehicle with North Element decals on all four sides.
“So people can visually identify that it is us in their driveway or door way and we are there to help,” he said.
“All staff is on full payroll by North Element, so please no gifts or tips will be accepted or expected. Items will be delivered by 3 p.m. daily as we want our staff home to be with their families by the end of their normal workday hours.”
Furlan, who lives outside of the community of Wallaceburg, has been been operating a business in town for over 10 years.
“I do not live in Wallaceburg but come to love the town and the people in it. Like most people I have been following and watching the daily events regarding this virus we are all facing together.”
Furlan added: “I am very lucky to have lots of family and friends that support each other daily, then I thought I wonder if there are people in the Wallaceburg area that are not as fortunate as most of us.”
North Element is located at 35 Garnet Street in Wallaceburg, where they have been developing and field testing up-cycled ice melt since 2012. Learn more about the business at www.northelement.com.
The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit has announced the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Chatham-Kent. Details, here.
Chatham-Kent’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby has implemented increased measures to combat COVID-19. Details, here.
The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 as a pandemic on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Details, here.
For a list of local cancellations, postponement and further updates, click here.
