Local woman leading volunteer group to grocery shop for the vulnerable

Maiya Westwood is collecting groceries for members of the community who have concerns about leaving their homes.

After hearing about people being afraid to go into stores to purchase groceries during COVID-19, Westwood was moved to offer a service for Winnipeggers.

"I just figured that there are probably a lot of people feeling anxious about going into places where there are tons of people."

Starting on Friday, Westwood has been collecting orders from people and venturing out to stores collecting what they need.

"It started out being not just myself, but I have had a number of people volunteer to also help drive and pick up groceries for people who are self-isolating," Westwood says.

So far six other people have volunteered to help.

"I just figured that there are probably a lot of people feeling anxious about going into places where there are tons of people," Westwood says. 

Westwood is dropping off people's groceries outside of their doors so that they do not need to come into contact with Westwood or any of the volunteers.

People have been mostly paying for their groceries using e-transfers.

Westwood and her volunteers are trying to "get the word out" to those in need. Westwood is also reaching out to people who may find her services useful. She plans on continuing the service until people are no longer concerned about contacting COVID-19 in public.

Maiya Westwood can be contacted through her Facebook page Grocery Delivery Winnipeg, by phone, 204- 619-1705, or email mkwestwood@hotmail.com.