Sherbrooke, June 3, 2020 – Since the launch of its Emergency and Community Recovery Fund almost two months ago, Centraide Estrie has raised close to $ 1.3 million. In the current context of the COVID-19 crisis, several groups of people are particularly isolated and vulnerable. This is particularly the case for seniors.
This is why the emergency fund of Centraide Estrie was able to count on the financial contribution of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) for an amount of $ 97,548. In fact, on March 29, the Government of Canada entrusted Centraide Estrie with the responsibility of administering this special envelope. In addition, a partnership of $ 23,467.50 was entered into with HelpAge Canada to provide additional financial assistance to certain organizations. Of the 39 organizations supported by the United Way emergency fund to date, 13 have received funding from these programs (for 16 different projects). The list of organizations supported is attached to this press release.
“The funded projects cover a wide range of services for seniors. From delivering meals with meals-on-wheels to personalized calls and activity kits, local agencies are very creative in supporting our seniors in the current context”, explains Mr. Yves Jodoin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Centraide Estrie.
“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”, said the Honorable Deb Schulte, Minister of Seniors.
“It is with pride that our government entrusted the Centraide network with the responsibility of administering the funds allocated under the special envelope for the New Horizons for Seniors Program. With the recognized experience of Centraide Estrie, these funds will help support the specific needs of seniors who differ greatly from one region to another in the country, in addition to highlighting the work done by our local community organizations with our elders”, said the Honorable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead.
Amounts still available
Although the amounts of the NHSP and of the Seniors Can! have already been fully invested, sums are still available in the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF), even for senior clients. ECSF is funded by the Government of Canada, but is administered by Centraide Estrie in the region. Organizations are therefore invited to submit their requests to www.centraideestrie.com/covid-19/demande-financement-fonds-urgence/. In addition, to find out about the organizations supported by the emergency fund to date, go to www.centraideestrie.com/covid-19/.
Annex 1: PressRelease_and Annex 1
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About Centraide Estrie: Centraide Estrie mobilizes the community and brings together resources to help improve the living conditions of the poor and vulnerable, in partnership with community organizations directly involved with these clienteles. Visit the website for more information: www.centraideestrie.com or follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
About the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP): The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) provides grants and contributions for projects that help improve the well-being of seniors and promote their social inclusion. To provide essential and immediate 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.
About Seniors Can!: Seniors Can! is an initiative of HelpAge Canada designed to help low-income seniors across Canada avoid isolation and loneliness and to engage more fully with their communities For more information, see the www.helpagecanada.ca.
