AN IMPACTFUL COMMUNITY COVID -19 RESPONSE

In spite of COVID-19, and the result of weekly virtual meetings, strong unity has developed in the team as they work together with communities. Staff member Alain shares "We are trusted and this helps to work with peace in our minds. Even when we make mistakes, we get treated fairly with respect and dignity." Staff member Claude shares "The first thing that motivates me in my job is how BDS-IB leaders put participants’ interest first. I am not used to seeing that. What I am used to seeing and what seems common in our culture and in many organizations is that leaders put their own interest first. They take a big portion of the money that was supposed to help participants and use it for their interest. But that is not what I see here. Secondly, we are treated with respect and dignity with no gossip between employees as I see in other organization.

We are not perfect, but when a mistake happens between us, we talk about them and resolve them ourselves." About 1200 masks were delivered to new and existing community groups where women are also sewing masks for sale. This promotes safety in the community as well as income for those making them.