Lori mcneill - cranbrook boys and girls club

I'd like to introduce Lori McNeill, the Executive Director at the Cranbrook Boys & Girls Club.

How has Covid-19 affected your business and daily operations?

The Cranbrook Boys and Girls Club closed all operations on March 16th. We took some time to settle in and look to see what needs we could meet given the circumstances. We opened up virtual programming for youth mid- April offering online cooking classes for youth where we deliver ingredients in the morning and facilitate an online Zoom cooking class in the afternoon. We also have a variety of other online programming that is all facilitated through our Youth Impact youth centre manager and staff. We also have taken on delivering food hampers to Club families as well as other families in need. Every week each family receives a variety of fresh healthy food to help ease the stress of this uncertain time. We are currently in the process of opening our daycare programs and planning for school age summer programming.

What positive or uplifting things are you seeing happen during these times?

Seeing more people and families getting outside and enjoying a walk or bike ride together.

What are you doing to find joy or have some fun during this pandemic situation?

Spending quality time with my kids and family. Enjoying all of the outdoor recreation that our area has to offer either on my bike or in my kayak!

Is there anything specific you’d like to share, or wish people knew right now?

The Cranbrook Boys and Girls Club is also evolving and changing to fit the needs of our community. We are committed to providing quality childcare, afterschool and youth programs in creative ways and we are also going to continue to offer food hampers for as long we as can to support families. For more information please check out our website.