In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Vancouverites are rising up to offer whatever they can to help combat the health crisis.

"In the few weeks since COVID-19 was first identified in Vancouver, we've received numerous offers of equipment, space, time, and other supports from organizations city-wide," Vancouver COVID-19 task force chief and Vancouver fire chief Darrell Reid stated in a news release.

To help coordinate all the offers from citizens and businesses, the City of Vancouver announced the launch of the initiative Give a Hand Vancouver on April 2.

This new website will centralize all donations and offers in one place.

If the name sounds familiar, that's because it draws upon the nightly 7 p.m. cheer and expressions of gratitude for healthcare and frontline workers during the pandemic.

Any individuals or businesses who want to contribute to the fight against COVID-19 by donating or providing low-cost offers on large-quantity materials and services, such as medical supplies, cleaning products, or food, can visit the site to register their donations or offers.

The website also provides options of how individuals can contribute small-scale donations—including to the Vancouver Foundation Community Response Fund, Food Bank B.C., Second Harvest, and the Vancouver Food and Beverage Community Relief Fund—as well as links to information about safety measures and updates.