The United Way of Chatham-Kent is shelling out some cash to help local senior organizations during the COVID-19 crisis.
The United Way CK on behalf of United Way Centraide Canada and funded by the Government of Canada New Horizons for Seniors Program, has issued a total of $50,000 to five agencies.
The not-for-profit organizations all met the criteria for funding which included meeting the immediate and urgent needs of seniors across Chatham-Kent and focusing on vulnerable seniors impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The agencies that received the funding include the Victorian Order of Nurses Erie St. Clair, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Family Service Kent and the Maple City Centre for Older Adults. Each organization received $10,000.
"When we collectively work together, we can ensure that there are services out there to help people in this community and prevent duplication or fracturing of existing supports," said Steve Pratt, CK United Way CEO. "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.
Funds will be used for a variety of resources. At the Victorian Order of Nurses, it will go towards expanding the Virtual Visiting service which allows nurses to work with patients who live in rural areas electronically.
The Canadian Cancer Society will be using its grant to expand the capacity of the Cancer Information Helpline and connect more individuals virtually with trained mentors. The Canadian National Institute for the Blind will also be using a portion of their funds to go electronic by supporting its virtual programming, which reduced the impact of isolation for seniors with sight loss.
Family Service Kent plans to offer free counselling sessions for seniors and help reach those who are struggling or feeling an extra sense of isolation during the pandemic. Meanwhile, the Maple City Centre for Older Adults will take advantage of the funding increase by offering security check-in phone calls to seniors and deliver comfort bags to senior residents featuring sanitizer, a COVID-19 handbook and activities.
Anyone looking to volunteer during the pandemic can get more information on local initiatives by visiting the United Way of Chatham-Kent's website.
