The fundraising efforts of charitable causes around the city are among the victims of the corona virus.
On Thursday, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry directed event organizers to immediately cancel or postpone public gatherings larger than 250 people until further notice.
That drew a quick response from the Prince George Hospice Society as it canceled its Hospice Antique Fair and Market Place which had been set for April 4-5 at the Prince George Dome.
It could be only the first of a series of setbacks, according to PGHS executive director Donna Flood. She predicted Henry's order will remain in place through May, when two more of the society's major fundraising events - High Tea for Hospice and the Colour Walk - are held, and beyond.
"We're anticipating that more than likely all events up until the fall will be canceled," Flood said.
Flood said the events in April and May account for about 15 per cent of the $1.4 million PGHS needs to raise this year.
The Hospice Dream Home Lottery, which raises another 35 per cent, will still go ahead but she said public viewing may be limited to online only until public health officials declare it safe enough for gatherings to be held.
The precautions won't end there. Communal food has been removed from the hospice house and once there is a confirmation that the virus has arrived Prince George, Flood said limits on in-person visits will be imposed.
"What we will be doing as well, though, is offering visitation virtually so people can 'facetime' with people that are in hospice," she said.
To make up the shortfall, Flood is asking supporters to donate.
"Everyone's going to be struggling but maybe instead of spending that $25 on a beer going out, you can stay at home and donate to hospice," she said.
Other non-profits are also feeling the hurt.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern B.C.'s Big Gala, which had been set for April 4 at the Hart Community Centre, has been postponed. The event typically draws 250 to 300 people and raises $25,000 to $30,000, said BBBC executive director Tim Bennett.
"That's definitely a little bit of a gap we're going to have to make up," he said.
BBBS's Mega Bounce Run remains scheduled for May 23 at D.P. Todd Secondary School but could also be postponed or canceled outright.
Fundraising efforts aside, Bennett said advise on how to prevent the spread of the virus is being sent out to BBBS's matches, its group activities have been put on hold and its child care programs are "day by day."
"Right now, we're taking our lead from Northern Health," Bennett said. "We'll continue to offer our child care programs until we're no longer able to."
Organizers of the Climb for Cancer, currently set for April 18 at the Cutbanks, are monitoring the situation.
"We're going to continue on until such time that it becomes apparent that we will not be able to safely host it," event chair Doug Bell said.
Even if an event is canceled, there are still ways to support local organizations, Bell added, and noted contributions can be made online
Despite the impact, Flood said canceling the events is the right thing to do.
"We need to all be out together protecting each other and just supporting," she said. "The other thing we need to do is to care for our neighbours. There might be seniors that maybe shouldn't be out shopping. We need to go out and offer to support the people that maybe shouldn't be out and about in the community."
