ZURICH, Ont. — Independent network operator Hay Communications has been doing whatever it can to support customers and local businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, by adopting socially distanced installation and support procedures, providing custom Internet set-ups for a local hospital and a seniors residence, while also donating to local fundraising efforts.
Hay’s most recent effort to provide support to local businesses is its Kick-Start 2020 program, through which it’s giving more than 500 business Internet customers each a $50 credit.
“It may not be a large amount to some but we hope even a little will help and show our ongoing commitment to our members and communities. The $50 is equal to the monthly rate of our 100 x 100 basic internet service,” reads the news release.
Hay Communications, a co-operative, provides services in the cottage country area along the shores of Lake Huron, where Covid-19-related health and safety mandates from the Ontario government gradually opened up the region and allowed people to come to their properties and the beachfront communities served by Hay.
“Staying safe health-wise has never been a major issue for installers or customer service reps, so this new challenge demanded major adjustments,” reads the release. “The biggest question was how to continue new installations and make repairs with the safety of our staff being of primary importance. We had to be flexible with each and every customer installation.”
Hay says its Internet connections were at relatively normal levels during the months of March through June, and some of its new procedures included modem drop-offs and by-phone walk-throughs with customers, or in some cases installing modem equipment before owners arrived at their cottages.
Also, to support essential workers at the South Huron Hospital, in April Hay staff installed Wi-Fi equipment in trailers loaned to the hospital to house workers who didn’t want to risk passing Covid-19 on to their families (pictured above).
At the Exeter Villa seniors residence, Hay helped to fulfill an unusual TV installation request. Through some special equipment purchases and careful installation, the “Villa Channel” was created. Residents who are isolated in their rooms are able to watch and take part in events televised from the facility’s main community room, including bingo, music and exercise programs, allowing them to maintain a connection with each other.
On the donation side, Hay donated $2,000 to the Grand Bend Community Foundation and Rotary Club of Grand Bend’s Stay-at-Home Gala. In 
addition, Hay’s Channel One local news channel did a Skype interview with a volunteer to publicize the event.
Hay also made a $1,500 donation to the South Huron Hospital Foundation as part of the “UnGala” virtual event to support the community hospital.
In addition, Hay’s board of directors donated $1,000 to the Huron County Food Bank to help the organization meet its goal of raising $18,000 during the pandemic.
Even Hay’s employees have got involved in local fundraising efforts, with a group of staff members putting up some cash to participate in a challenge to walk or bike 100 kilometres in May. The 50/50 winnings were split between the successful person and another donation to the food bank.
