Funding Boost for senior-serving organizations addressing COVID-19
By Lethbridge Herald on May 25, 2020.
United Way release:
United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta announced a community investment of $50,000 funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. These funds are being distributed to agencies which are supporting vulnerable seniors in Lethbridge and across South Western Alberta during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The opportunity to work with the Federal Government to put these funds to work in South Western Alberta communities is one that we value greatly,” said Vincent Varga, Interim Executive Director for United Way. “Our team is focused on supporting the agencies which are on the front lines to support people, and especially seniors who are affected by COVID-19.”
“We want to extend our thanks to the agencies in Lethbridge and across South Western Alberta that are providing vital services during this time,” said Varga. “We recognize and appreciate your work, innovation and dedication to continue to provide and expand essential 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 has provided $9 million under the NHSP to be distributed through the United Way Canada network. This funding 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,” said the Honourable 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.”
The following agencies have been selected to receive a portion of the funding through an open call for expressions of interest:
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.
• Covenant Foundation – $4,800 to support virtual connections and maintain 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
For more information, please visit http://www.lethbridgeunitedway.ca/covid-19-seniors or email together@lethbridgeunitedway.ca .
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