“ STOP Covid-19 . ” Fundraising Campaign Call to Arms: Race for PPE to Support Frontline Health Workers Together, We Will Prevail!

TORONTO, April 8, 2020 – As Toronto heads towards a critical phase in the Covid-19 pandemic, the healthcare system is under immense strain. Frontline healthcare workers are facing shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, gloves, isolation gowns and respirators. Some have even become infected with the virus. Frontline healthcare workers need our staunch support across all communities to battle this war.

To show our support and appreciation, Dr. Joseph Y. K. Wong, Founder and Chair Emeritus, Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care, and past Chair, United Way Greater Toronto, has partnered with over 100 volunteers, doctors, NGOs and GTA municipalities, to launch a 2-million dollar fundraising campaign “STOP Covid-19.”, to source PPE for our frontline healthcare heroes.

Given the urgency and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic, even before the campaign’s public appeal, organizers had to borrow $600,000 from their personal contacts to order 500,000 medical and N95 masks. The first shipment of 200,000 medical masks will be arriving shortly. Additional purchase order of PPE will continue with the support of the campaign.

Many newcomers are eager to contribute. “One of the biggest supporters of this campaign is Mr. Lenny Wong, the CEO of Ocean Packers Inc., who is a three-time refugee from Cambodia to Vietnam, then to France, until settling down in Toronto.” Dr. Wong says, “Besides giving a very generous donation, Lenny loaned the campaign a quarter of a million dollars to kick start the PPE purchase.” To date, volunteers have pledged over $300,000 before mounting a public appeal for donation.

“All the PPE will be distributed through our trusted partners including municipal governments and the United Way Greater Toronto. Our goal is to divide our supplies according to the populations in Toronto, and the regions of York and Peel. Due to dire situations in certain hospitals, we will ensure a clear, logistical directive that will have the most impact on the fight against coronavirus.” Dr. Wong says.

“The reliability of the suppliers and the quality of the PPE are our top priorities.” Dr. Wong says, “The team of volunteers, many of them are experienced professionals and entrepreneurs, are acutely aware of our responsibilities of taking care of the donor dollars. We strive to ensure the equipment is up to the standard, while keeping the purchase price reasonable and receiving shipments in a timely manner.”

Dr. Wong recognizes the extraordinary impact this pandemic is having on the supply chain of PPE. “Countries including the US are turning to global suppliers for PPE and prices will skyrocket by the day, if not by the hours. The worst is yet to come if we aren’t prepared. We need to mobilize to save our home and healthcare workers. Canadians must act now!”

“By mobilizing Canadians from all different backgrounds, showing solidarity with the healthcare professionals and our country, together, we will prevail!” said, Hazel McCallion, 99, the former Mayor of Mississauga and the longest serving mayor in Canadian history.

DONATE NOW:

Make cheque payable to CPAC Foundation and mail it to STOP Covid-19 . Fundraising Campaign c/o Dr. Joseph Wong, 78 St. Patrick St., Unit 134 Toronto, Ontario M5T 3K8

OR

Donate online to CanadaHelps-CPAC Foundaton: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/education-foundation-of-chinese-professionals-association-of-canada/campaign/support-canadian-healthcare-workers/

For more information, please go to: StopCovid19gta.com；or email: info@stopcovid19gta.com