Perth Huron United Way has partnered with the Federal government through the Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program to help local seniors struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Executive Director Ryan Erb says they realized there were a number of vulnerable populations and seniors. And it caught their attention because they know seniors were much more restricted to their homes, were most vulnerable to the virus and less likely to got out and take care of themselves the way they should.
They were also less likely to have people come in and help them.
Erb says in talking to their community partners, they realized that one of their priorities had to be getting healthy, nutritious food to seniors.
"So it wasn't long that grocery delivery services started to emerge from our partners, so organizations that work directly with seniors, like One Care, have begun a grocery delivery service across the region, VON in other corners of our region as well," said Erb.
There were also concerns about seniors who couldn't afford the food they needed and were used to going to dining programs or other programs that provided some social interaction as well as meals. Erb says some of the meal delivery programs they deal with actually deliver the meal and then stay with the senior and chat for a few minutes to provide that social interaction that they're not getting because of COVID-19.
More information about the programs that are being funded through the partnership can be found on the Perth Huron United Way web site.
