The importance of community support post-Covid-19

The challenges and impact of Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdowns has been especially felt in local community businesses and organisations and it is widely accepted that supporting your local community will be vital in the post-Covid-19 world.

Aside from providing support for struggling local businesses and organisations, many neighbours will have lost their jobs or income. They will possibly now turn their attention to small business ventures, not just as a means to earn a living, but as an important economic multiplier, offering an important service and boosting economic activity at the same time.

As homeowners and residents there is a lot that we can do to support local communities and other organisations during this time of need. Aside from supporting local businesses and buying locally made and produced goods, it also important to support community organisations. Some of the ways that you can make a difference include:

Shop local - support your local businesses, whether it is a local Spar franchise or a local butchery, delicatessen, hairdresser or artisans in your neighbourhood.

Buy local - make an effort to support locally manufactured and sourced products. That way you are supporting job creation and encouraging a return to local manufacturing.

Eat local - support local eateries and buy your fresh goods from your local neighbourhood market. There are many ways to support small operators to supply your necessities and most deliver as well.

Social media - many small operators sell and trade goods on social media. You can support by either buying or making use of services, sharing their pages or recommending them when possible.

Local charity - there are many local charities who are working to assist the needy in various ways including combatting hunger and dealing with the challenges as a result of lockdown regulations which need support.

Seeff Home2Home Campaign - contact us to find out about how you could donate unwanted goods which are in working condition and how we can assist with that.

Animal welfare - many animal organisations are in dire need of assistance during these challenging times. If you are an animal lover, this could be the perfect way to make a difference.

Community Crime Prevention - these organisations are vital in neighbourhoods and work closely with the City of Cape Town, law enforcement, SAPS, Armed response, Fire Department, Medics and First responders on local security and emergencies.

City Improvement Districts (CID's) - these work as intermediaries with the City of Cape Town on issues which affect the local community such as service delivery or necessary upgrades and maintenance.

Community Initiatives - you can also participate in local initiatives such as clean ups of green belt areas, beaches and so. These are usually coordinated via local social media groups.