Recently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $9 million through United Way for local organizations that support practical services to Canadian seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
United Ways across the country have allocated funds in their local communities to support senior-serving organizations providing front line services.
The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) provides grants and contributions for projects that help improve the well-being of seniors and foster their social inclusion. To provide immediate essential services to seniors impacted by COVID-19, the Government of Canada is providing $9 million under the NHSP to be distributed through United Way Canada network. These funds will help organizations providing support to seniors dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
“While physical distancing is essential to protecting seniors from COVID-19, it risks isolating them from their community. 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.”
-The Honourable Deb Schulte, Minister of Seniors
In Lethbridge & South Western Alberta, $50,000 has been distributed to organizations supporting seniors by providing basic needs, transportation to essential appointments, maintaining social connections, and more.
LETHBRIDGE & SOUTH WESTERN ALBERTA
Claresholm Senior Drop-In Centre – $6,000 to support grocery and medication delivery to seniors, meal preparation & delivery, wellbeing check-ins, transportation to essential medical appointments. Contact: (403) 625-2877
Covenant Foundation – $4,800 to support virtual social connections while maintaining physical distancing between senior residents in Covenant Health facilities in Lethbridge and their family members and friends.
Good Samaritan Society – $9,500 to provide equipment to maintain distancing and increase the comfort of seniors in care facilities in south western Alberta (Magrath, Raymond, Pincher Creek, Cardston, Taber, and Lethbridge) who are isolated in their rooms.
Kidney Foundation of Canada – $4,775 to support immunocompromised individuals and ensure they can travel to dialysis appointments, access medication, and maintain social connections while isolated. Contact: 403-255-6108 / 1-800-268-1177 | info.sab@kidney.ca
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization – $12,000 to support the Volunteer Driver program, making it possible to transport seniors for essential trips for groceries, prescriptions, legal appointments, medical appointments, and counselling. Contact: 403-320-2222 | www.lethseniors.com
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization – $7,400 to support seniors with technology and education to reduce social isolation through access to online programs like fitness or hobby classes, connection with family and friends, and access to supports available through LSCO. Contact: 403-320-2222 | www.lethseniors.com
Volunteer Lethbridge Association – $5,525 to support connections between screened volunteers and subscribed seniors. Services include wellbeing check-ins, identification of additional services needed, referrals, and outreach to individuals potentially requiring support. Contact: HelpingHands@VolunteerLethbridge.com or (403) 332-4320
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Supports for seniors through the Canadian government
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/seniors.html
Supports for seniors through the Alberta government.
https://www.alberta.ca/senior-supports.aspx
Contact your local Family and Community Support Services office to learn about programs near you
Lethbridge COVID-19 Support Circle – A Facebook group where community members can offer or receive help.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/234508757730077/