Three Ways the Global Pandemic Continues to Affect HEEFS
/By Susan Cleland
In June, Statistics Canada released a report stating that almost 30% of businesses, specifically, almost 53% of businesses in agriculture, will continue to expect difficulty acquiring inputs, products or supplies. In addition, of the businesses expecting difficulty acquiring inputs, products or supplies domestically, nearly three-fifths (57%) expect these challenges to continue for six months or more, an increase from the previous quarter (52.4%). (1)
Many of us have experienced shortages in both labour and supply, and HEEFS is no exception. Since the global pandemic hit in 2019, we continue to feel its many consequences. Here are just three ways it continues to affect us.
INFLATION
Notice after notice from various companies come across our desks, indicating that a service has increased by $6.00 per month, or that a product is now $9.00 more per bag, or $2.00 more per bale of hay, and so on. With production and shipping costs increasing, and supply decreasing or remaining the same at a decreased amount, the cost of each resident’s food, medical care, and shelter also continues to rise.
LABOUR
In Ontario, Canada, we have a window of time to work on new projects before the ground freezes. Currently, we’re digging 150 post holes to install 1,200 feet of fencing, finishing the construction of the Cow Barn and the Pig Barn, and completing ongoing repairs and improvements to existing infrastructure. In short, there’s a lot to accomplish within an inflexible timeframe, and doing so while contending with labour shortages. We have had to hire contractors to help us open these barns for the residents before temperatures drop to minus 20 degress Celcius in January. With labour being in high demand, the cost of contract work also increases.
SUPPLIES
As you know, just two of our goals for 2022 included adding two additional coops, and a hay and straw storage building. Both the coops and the building have not been available, well, except we did find a roof for the hay and straw building! Just need walls and flooring... Almost there!
WE’LL GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER
Whether it’s avian influenza, African swine fever, or covid, our mission is to protect the residents from ever knowing what is happening globally. When we rescued everyone from their difficult pasts, we promised the best individualized care possible for the rest of their lives. We can’t deny Moose, Gladys, Shauuun or Doug much needed medical care in their senior years. Nor can we cut back on nutritious meals or fresh produce for all 29 pigs. In addition to filling their tummies, foraging for food in the forest is mentally enriching for hours and hours each day. And we know how much Richard and Gregory love tidbitting to their flockmates when sunflower seed treats fall at their feet.
The names of people who have donated from our Amazon Wish List, as well as the names of people who have donated online are thought of when we ring the dinner bell, add supplements to dinner bowls, or see the progression of construction projects. Together, we are helping each resident live their best lives.
“From the bottom of our hearts to yours, we thank you for supporting us through this time. Thank you doesn’t seem like enough” - Derek Walter, Executive Director and Co-Founder of HEEFS.
Tam, S., Sood, S., Johnston, C. (2022/06/23) Analysis On Supply Chains In Canada, Second Quarter of 2022. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-621-m/11-621-m2022008-eng.htm
