United Way of Saskatoon and Area and the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program will be spreading funds throughout the community. The funds will be used to tackle two #UNIGNORABLE issues: hunger and social isolation, two of the most pressing issues affecting seniors in our community. The agencies receiving the funds are CHEP Good Food, Saskatoon Council on Aging, Jubilation Residential Centres Inc, and Central Urban Métis Federation Inc.

CHEP Good Food – $51,800.00.

To respond to the food security needs of Saskatoon elders and seniors in general, CHEP is integrating their food needs into its Good Food Delivery program to distribute food boxes to seniors through no-contact deliveries. A Pay It Forward program is also being put in place to encourage donations to be used to provide food boxes free of charge to individuals and households facing food security challenges.

Saskatoon Council on Aging – $22,200.00

Saskatoon Council on Aging serves the approximately 80,000 older adults who are 55 and over in Saskatoon and area. SCOA will be a central intake agency to provide senior callers with information referrals and support relating to COVID-19. Callers will be provided information over the phone or directed to the SCOA website which has an extensive list of COVID-19 resources. Seniors experiencing isolation will be connected to friendly volunteers that will act as a “telephone buddy”.

Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. – $5,000.00

Each year in Saskatoon Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. provides support for over 200 Métis Elders. Many Elders havea  limited knowledge of English, and some speak solely Cree, Dené, or Michif. These funds will assist with supporting staff and volunteer Elders who will reach out to isolated Elders by phone or through video conference, providing social interaction, and helping ensure the health and well-being of Métis Elders in Saskatoon.

Jubilation Residential Centres Inc. –  $5,000.00.

The Prince Albert Seniors Advocacy Centre is an internal program of Jubilation Residential Centres Inc. dedicated to providing information and advocacy for senior citizens facing challenges. Funding will assist with the Healthy Food Mini Hamper Program and the Personalized Hygiene Pack Program. Funds will also assist volunteers to come to meetings and to prepare and deliver mini hampers and hygiene packs. In addition, as some volunteers are seniors on a fixed income, and need assistance with travel.