Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Southern Alberta groups receive funding to aid local seniors

May 25, 2020 | 12:06 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A whole host of non-profit organizations in Lethbridge and the surrounding area will be better equipped to support seniors.

The Government of Canada, through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), has given $50,000 to the United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta.

“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.”

The United Way dolled out funding to the following local groups:

• 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.

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“By using local expertise, this funding will help provide support tailored to the unique, local needs of seniors across the country,” says Seniors Minister Deb Schulte. “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.”

Nationally, the NHSP has administered $9-million.