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Chatham-Kent agencies receive funds to assist seniors

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Thanks to federal funding, several organizations that provide support to seniors will receive a cash infusion.

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

Eligible organizations provide for the immediate needs for vulnerable seniors – aged 55 and over – impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic including, but not limited, to low-income individuals, seniors who are members of a minority group or those living in rural settings, as well as caregivers.

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“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,” said Steve Pratt, United Way executive director, in a release.

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“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.”

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

“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,” she said in the release.


Funding recipients

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

To support virtual visiting, a service that will allow nurses to chart electronically, provide seamless care and reach patients in remote areas, while maintaining a safe environment for patients and nurses. Nurses will be able to communicate instantly with their patients and other service providers.

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Canadian Cancer Society – $10,000

To expand the capacity of the cancer information helpline and connect more individuals with trained mentors through the virtual peer-match program. The society will also use the funds to reduce anxiety experienced by residents with cancer, provide critical digital connections 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 – $10,000

To support established virtual programming, which reduces the impact of isolation for seniors with sight loss, and adapt the vision mate program to provide one-on-one support, whether over the phone, or in person, to assist with errands such as grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions.

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Family Service Kent – $10,000

For free counselling sessions for seniors. With this support, Family Service Kent will be able to reach seniors who may be struggling, isolated and may have limited supports available. 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*

To offer security check-in phone calls to residents 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, 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 New Horizons for Seniors Program and $192 from the Chatham-Kent COVID-19 Community Response Fund through ckgives.ca

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