The latest message from Owen Charters, President & CEO, BGC Canada (April 9). Full transcript below.
It’s just before the long weekend, and for those celebrating Easter, it’s Good Friday tomorrow followed by Easter Sunday. Across my family there are celebrations of Easter and Passover, all being done remotely as we break bread virtually.
Celebrating holidays and family with food is part of these special days, and I hope you are finding ways to make the long weekend somewhat special in your own way.
For many, food security remains an issue, and our Clubs—with the support of partners like President’s Choice Children’s Charity and goeasy—are able to get food to families in their neighbourhoods. This is vital, and especially so at a time like this when food options are difficult to access, and many are without the resources to get the food their families need.
I also want to acknowledge how difficult it can be to be a family at this time. Distances are stretched, and with that so is the support that comes from relatives who usually come together at this time.
I know that all families are struggling in different ways. It is exceptionally difficult to be a parent right now—to balance the demands of trying to work with the constant needs and attention that children crave. Trying to add some educational outcomes feels like a Herculean task. I feel for you and sympathize—it has been no picnic in our house either as we try to manage emotions and the stress that being isolated together brings.
For those who are also caring for loved ones, this is an especially difficult time. For aging parents or other family members who need your support, it can be harder to do so when travel is frowned on, and the barriers to access are greater. Saying hello through a window leaves an empty, desperate feeling. Even more so if there are health risks and implications that must be managed.
Celebrating family on holiday weekends is a tradition. It will be exceptionally difficult tradition to uphold in any semblance of normal this weekend. Yet, I know that these are the times when family is also most important, and whether through a window, over miles of distance, or with those who are following social isolation with you at home, I hope you find a way to breathe, reflect, and cherish those closest to you.
To our Club family—I wish you a happy Easter, happy Passover, and happy long weekend of disengaging from the pressures of the world outside right now, and focusing on you and those you love.
