Since the beginning of the pandemic, our community has been quick to respond and help those who are most vulnerable. United Way KFL&A’s Retirees United was quick to step up and now they are asking seniors in the community, who can and have the means, to give back if they can.
“My wife and I are fortunate that, with reduced living costs and no travelling expenses, we are coping. So, we each decided to contribute the $300 OAS supplement to Seniors who are in need of help. For us the obvious charity was United Way KLF&A because it has been a local leader in addressing the needs of our community with its special COVID fund. As a volunteer with the Senior’s Food Box program, I am aware of how much this has helped provide healthy and fresh food for seniors who are not able to shop or to afford such food. If you are one of those fortunate enough to not need this OAS supplement, please consider donating it to a responsible support program for our fellow Seniors.”
– Jim and Julie Parker
Please visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca/donate and check Seniors Helping Seniors if you are able to help in this way. Funds raised will support Seniors Food Boxes for seniors with low-income.
More support for Seniors during COVID-19
As the shut-down was announced, United Way immediately began to receive calls of concern from seniors with two key issues: those who could not afford food and those who could afford to buy food but were unable to go to stores. Many have caretakers who are practising social isolation.
To help tackle this challenge, United Way partnered with Kingston Community Health Centres. Together, we worked closely with the Seniors Association, Council on Aging and our Retirees United committee to design a program to deliver food to seniors, using the federal funds as well as some from the United Way’s Covid-19 Fund dollars. In May, the Seniors’ Food Boxes began. Seniors in the community were able to order a food box featuring approximately 15 items – 7-8 seasonal produce items and 7-8 non-perishable/ staple items.
Boxes are provided at no cost to low-income seniors in the community and deliveries are made by volunteers bi-weekly.
For more information or to place an order email events@unitedwaykfla.ca or phone 613-542-2674 ext 1411
Check out the video below to learn more about the Seniors’ Food Box Program
About the New Horizons for Seniors Program
The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) supports the Government of Canada’s overarching social goals to enhance the quality of life, and promote the full participation of individuals, including seniors, in all aspects of Canadian society. During COVID-19, and the requirement for social-distancing and self-isolation, these funds become even more important to ensure that vulnerable seniors have the supports they need for their wellbeing.
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