United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes distributes emergency funding to support seniors’ programs in Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton.

United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes has announced that it will distribute $49,278.00 in emergency funding to several organizations in the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton.

This funding was made possible by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes thanks the Government of Canada for their continued support during this time, and for increasing supports for individuals age 55 and older.

“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,” writes The Honorable Deb Schulte, Minister of Seniors

Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes has been granted $20,000 to support their existing Meals on Wheels Program, which has seen increased demand due to the current pandemic. This program delivers prepared meals to seniors across the City of Kawartha Lakes, reducing the need for them to leave their homes.

“We’re very grateful to the United Way for supporting the increased service demands of our Meals on Wheels program, allowing us to continue providing nutritious meals and important security checks for our most vulnerable clients,” says Barb Mildon, CEO, Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes. “We’re proud to serve the seniors in our community, ensuring that they can stay safe and comfortable at home for as long as possible.”

Grant recipients in Haliburton County include: The Central Food Network, the Rotary Club of Haliburton’s Good Food Box, and SIRCH Community Services. These organizations provide essential food services to seniors who are self-isolating, as well as individuals and families experiencing economic insecurity. Grants will range from $3,000-$5,000 and aim to help expand the organization’s capacity to serve seniors.

“Our hope is that this grant will enhance and support established programs.  We are concerned that we have many seniors in rural areas who might become easily isolated, explains Penny Barton Dyke, Executive Director of United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes. “Together, we can ensure they receive food, supports and wellness checks with this funding.  Seniors need to know that we are here for them and this is an unprecedented time, and so we all need to check in with others and ask for help or a friendly phone call.”

Organizations were selected based on their current capacity to serve the immediate needs of seniors, their geographic area and the needs that they identified to United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes.

For more information about local funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, or to donate to United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes please visit ckl-unitedway.ca

Contact:

E: office@ckl.unitedway.ca T: (705) 878-5081

To access a New Horizons for Seniors Program supported service see the information below:

Meals on Wheels

Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes

E: info@ccckl.ca     T: (705) 324-7323

Central food Network

Wilberforce – E: tina@centralfoodnetwork.org T: (705) 448-9711

Cardiff – T: (613) 339-2704

SIRCH Community Services

E: info@sirch.on.ca

T: (705) 457-1742

Haliburton Rotary Club

E: bri.nash@hotmail.com

T: (705) 455-9388