Georgetown, ON – The food bank in Georgetown made a public plea for donations in early April. The situation was dire; their supplies were almost exhausted because COVID-19 hoarding caused difficulties purchasing food plus there was a sudden increase in clientele. Virus precautions closed many Ontario businesses putting thousands of people out of work. Many found themselves unable to afford groceries and relying on a food bank for the first time in their lives.
Rayissa Palmer was moved by their plight and took the initiative to set up a safe, contactless collection for the Georgetown Bread Basket. She reached out to neighbours, friends and clients—approximately 60 households in total—telling them she would stop by on Saturday, April 11 starting at 10 a.m. to collect non-perishable groceries.
“The Georgetown Bread Basket had told us that not only is there a shortage, but that families who used to regularly donate have now come to get food from the food bank. It is heartbreaking,” says Rayissa. “Collecting pantry items from our little neighbourhood was the least we could do. My husband and I did ‘driveway pick-ups’ to stay safe.”
Rayissa is also a participant in Front Porch Portraits, a project to help people connect during self-isolation. Calling herself “an amateur photographer with a great camera,” she booked appointments starting April 16 with clients, friends and family to commemorate one month in isolation.
Noting that she will likely use a zoom lens to stay safe, Rayissa feels that “It gives families something to focus on and a memento of this very unique time.”
This sale associate’s efforts are especially generous considering her own stresses. Aside from a few virtual showings, her real estate business is on hold due to social distancing. On March 30, her husband lost his job until the lock-down is over. On April 1, her father-in-law was admitted to hospital with pain. Doctors cleared up a blood clot, but during his assessment, they discovered that he has Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Rayissa frequently gives back to her community. So far this year, she has participated in the Ron White Shoe Drive and the Coldest Night of the Year.
Sutton is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated company with more than 7,000 REALTORS® in over 200 offices nationwide. To find out more about Sutton, visit www.sutton.com. To learn more about Sutton Spirit, visit www.suttonspirit.com.
Sutton Group Realty Services Ltd. Contact:
Brooke Matthews
604-691-1689
Sutton Group - Old Mill Realty Inc.* Contact:
Rayissa Palmer
416-234-2424
*Independently owned and operated brokerage
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