United Way issues grants for seniors programs

The United Way of Chatham-Kent has issued grants to five agencies in Chatham-Kent on behalf of United Way Centraide Canada and funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

United Way officials say these non-profit community service organizations met all requirements for funding which included meeting the immediate and urgent needs of seniors across Chatham-Kent.

Focus upon vulnerable seniors (55+) impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic including but not limited to: low income individuals; seniors who are members of a minority group; and/or those living in rural settings; as well as caregivers.

Victorian Order of Nurses Erie St.Clair – $10,000

Funds will be used to support local seniors through the expansion of Virtual Visiting, a service which will allow nurses to chart electronically, provide seamless care, and reach patients in remote areas; while reducing the risk of infection by maintaining a safe environment for patients and nurses. Nurses will be able to communicate instantly with their patients and other service providers to enhance the patient care.

Canadian Cancer Society – $10,000

Funds will be used to expand the capacity of their Cancer Information Helpline and connect more individuals with trained mentors through their “virtual” peer match program. Canadian Cancer Society will also be using the funds to reduce anxiety experienced by Chatham-Kent residence who have cancer, provide critical digital connections through their online community, and equip their volunteers, staff members and the community with the most accurate information about COVID-19 and cancer.

Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) – $10,000

Funds will be used to support their established virtual programming, which reduces the impact of isolation for seniors with sight loss, and adapted their Vision Mate program to provide one-on-one support; whether over the phone, or in-person to assisted with errands such as grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions.

Family Service Kent – $10,000

Funds will be used to offer free counselling sessions for seniors. With this support Family Service Kent will be able to reach the seniors in Chatham-Kent, who may be struggling, isolated and may have limited supports available to them. The funds will also provide support through written mental health materials and items within the grocery deliveries that seniors are receiving.

Maple City Centre for Older Adults (Active Lifestyle Centre) – $10,000*

Funds will be used to offer security check-in phone calls to residences, and provide outreach to seniors with the Greeting Card program and delivery of comfort bags stocked with masks, hand sanitizers, a COVID handbook, activities and more. The funding will also allow the Active Lifestyle Centre to continue making personal protective equipment (PPE) which they are donating locally and distributing to seniors, and providing support to front line workers in retirement homes.

*$9,808 was funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program and $192 from the Chatham-Kent COVID-19 Community Response Fund through ckgives.ca

“When we collectively work together, we can ensure that there are services out there to help people in this community and to prevent duplication or fracturing of existing supports – By working together, we can ensure that forgotten areas in our community are not left behind and we are better prepared for the community’s rapidly emerging needs,” stated Steve Pratt, executive director, United Way of Chatham-Kent.

“While physical distancing is essential to protecting seniors from COVID-19, it risks isolating them from their community,” stated Deb Schulte, Minister of Seniors.

“That is why the Government of Canada is proud to work with United Way Canada to help support the needs of seniors during this difficult time. By using local expertise, this funding will help provide support tailored to the unique, local needs of seniors across the country. As we work together to flatten the curve and slow the spread of the virus, the government is supporting Canadians every step of the way.”

For people wanting to signing-up for volunteer initiatives, make a donation the Chatham-Kent COVID-19 Community Response fund or requiring help can visit CKgives.ca.

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