by
Dakota Halfpenny
on May 25, 2020 Comments Off on In the news: Janet Smith awarded ChangeMaker Lifetime Achievement Award
Western University’s recently retired Janet Smith has been awarded the ChangeMaker Lifetime Achievement Award by United Way Elgin Middlesex for her lifetime dedication to the community. The award is presented annually to an extraordinary community member who has shown a passion for improving lives locally.
Smith’s contributions to the community through United Way started early in her career. She was a key contributor, alongside the Hospitality Team, to the creation of the Beach Volleyball FUNdraiser and Coffee Day for United Way, an event still taking place annually to raise dollars for programs and services supporting our community’s most vulnerable people.
The ChangeMakers Awards are annually presented to exemplary local individuals with a passion for volunteerism and activism. For the first time ever and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, United Way will host ChangeMaker week, a week-long celebration of the winners, beginning May 25.
by
Dakota Halfpenny
on May 19, 2020 Comments Off on United Way issues open call for $1.3M Emergency Community Support Fund
United Way Elgin Middlesex is accepting local funding applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). The fund provides financial support to charities and other qualified donees adapting their frontline services to support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ECSF was announced by the Government of Canada in collaboration with United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.
“Canadian charities and not-for-profits are always there to help you, in your time of need. But the COVID-19 pandemic is bringing real challenges to these important organizations,” says The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “With today’s announcement, the Government of Canada will be there for them so they can continue to be there for Canadians.”
“We are a proud local partner in administering the COVID-19 Emergency Community Support Fund funded by the Government of Canada, alongside the London Community Foundation.”
United Way Elgin Middlesex is proud to support the important investment of approximately $1.3M into our local communities. Registered charities who provide supports and services to meet immediate community needs related to the COVID-19 crisis are eligible to receive funding.
Priority will be given to frontline social service organizations who provide services to vulnerable Canadians, including low-income seniors, women, children and youth, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, newcomers, Indigenous peoples, members of racialized communities, and more.
“We are a proud local partner in administering the COVID-19 Emergency Community Support Fund funded by the Government of Canada, alongside the London Community Foundation,” says Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex. “Together, we can keep our region strong by ensuring rapid relief reaches those who need it most.”
Funding applications are being accepted by United Way Elgin Middlesex from local frontline social service agencies from May 19 to June 12, 2020. Funds will be disbursed by July 31.
by
Dakota Halfpenny
on May 12, 2020 Comments Off on United Way distributes another $112,394 to help local people
United Way Elgin Middlesex distributed another $112,394 today in its third round of grants to seven locally operating social service agencies serving our community. In total over $379,000 has been distributed in the last month to support the critical work of locally operating community partners.
“Our community is rallying together,” says Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex. “People have come together and quickly mobilized to support our community’s most vulnerable people. This Coronavirus pandemic has united us and it’s inspiring to see people showing their local love at this time.”
“People are counting on us right now. These social services are imperative for people to make it through this time, and thanks to the incredible support of the community, we are seeing this happen.”
In total United Way has released three rounds of grants into the community. Funds up to $20,000 are being dispersed to social services across helping people to meet urgent basic needs, reduce social isolation and receive technology and training so they can move to digital service delivery without a disruption to service.
“People are counting on us right now,” Ziegner continues. “These social services are imperative for people to make it through this time, and thanks to the incredible support of the community, we are seeing this happen.”
To date, United Way Elgin Middlesex has facilitated more than $1 million in COVID-19 recovery efforts through charitable giving, future pledges, and government grants. Visit Local Love in a Global Crisis for details, donation announcements and how to get help or give help.
About our community’s coordinated response to the COVID-19 crisis
United Way Elgin Middlesex is working in close partnership with London Community Foundation, the City of London and the municipalities of Elgin and Middlesex to quickly mobilize funds to meet our community’s most pressing needs during the coronavirus outbreak.
Our coordinated approach is creating a full-spectrum safety net for our community’s most vulnerable: United Way is focused on immediate basic needs, London Community Foundation is supporting longer-term recovery and rebuilding, and municipal partners are creating extra capacity for essential services. Together, we are keeping our community strong.
Round 3 fund recipients:
Alzheimer Society of London & Middlesex
Boys & Girls Club London / Horton St. Seniors Centre
by
Dakota Halfpenny
on May 11, 2020 Comments Off on United Way invests in COVID-19 relief for seniors
Local seniors affected by the coronavirus crisis will get a much-needed boost today, thanks to the new Seniors Response Fund deployed by United Way Elgin Middlesex with assistance from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.
Local social service agencies CMHA and the Community Support Services Network received almost $120,000 combined to meet urgent needs for low income seniors 55+ across the region, including food, basic supplies and social connection. In total, $9 million in Federal funds are being distributed by United Ways across Canada proportionally based on the local population of seniors 55+.
“As we care for our families and those closest to us, we see many seniors in our community who don’t have a support system around them,” says Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex. “Today’s funding will help ensure that the most vulnerable do not get pushed further into the margins during this crisis.”
“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.”
Cheshire London and VON Middlesex-Elgin, lead agencies for the Community Support Services Network, will share $110,000 to provide basic needs to low income or isolated seniors 55+ in London and Middlesex County and St. Thomas and Elgin County, respectively. Community Support Pandemic Funds in each county will be accessed through the Community Support Services Central Intake system which ensures that seniors are connected to the right supports and services close to home, including grocery delivery, prepared meals and transportation.
CMHA received almost $10,000 to start the Friendly Callers–Senior Support Program to provide social connection and linking to local services for seniors across the region. Volunteers will provide friendly weekly calls and referrals to services and supports, including virtual social and recreation programming.
“The pandemic has been especially hard on seniors, many of whom are isolated from family and friends,” says Lori Hassall, Director of Crisis and Short-term Interventions at CMHA Middlesex, noting that the organization’s Support Line is seeing a 43% increase in calls, including daily calls from seniors. “Social connection is the antidote to loneliness.” Funding will allow the organization to recruit experienced staff and get the word out to callers and volunteers. The new program goes live immediately.
“While physical distancing is essential to protecting seniors from COVID-19, it risks isolating them from their community,” says The Honorable Deb Schulte, Minister of Seniors. “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.”
To date, United Way Elgin Middlesex has facilitated more than $1 million in COVID-19 recovery efforts through government grants such as the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, charitable giving and future pledges. Visit Local Love in a Global Crisis for details, donation announcements and how to get help or give help.
About the New Horizons for Seniors Program
The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) provides grants and contributions for projects that help improve the well-being of seniors and foster their social inclusion. To provide immediate essential 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.
See United Way Elgin Middlsex’s COVID-19 and New Horizons for Seniors grant summary
COVID-19 help for seniors 55+
St. Thomas & Elgin EN | FR
COVID-19 help for seniors 55+
London & Middlesex EN|FR
