COVID-19 has increased social isolation and loneliness. Help connect isolated seniors to healthy meals and companionship.
GIVE THE GIFT OF FOOD AND FRIENDSHIP
“Can you imagine what it’s like to be months in your little apartment? Not able to go out, not able to get what you need?” said Kay.
For seniors like Kay, COVID-19 has introduced a new level of isolation and fear. That’s because for seniors, the virus is particularly dangerous.
Many seniors in the Capital Regional District (CRD) already experience extreme loneliness and isolation, malnutrition or food insecurity, mobility issues and limited income that greatly impacts their physical, mental and emotional well-being. This has been compounded by COVID-19.
Kay says it’s like living alone in a desert.
Thanks to United Way’s More than Meals program, delivered through partner agencies such as James Bay New Horizons, Beacon Community Services and Oak Bay Volunteer services to name a few, seniors are getting healthy meals at their homes. Not only that – they are receiving critically important social visits and connections.
“When basic needs such as food are met it serves as an essential ingredient to enhance quality of life. Food (and home) is where the heart is and as we approach the holiday season we would like to provide even more meals for our valued seniors,” shared Mark Breslauer, CEO, United Way.
Since launching More than Meals in March 2020, the program has grown from delivering 200 meals a week to 1,200 meals a week for seniors in the CRD. More than Meals initially launched with support from the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund. United Way is appealing to all citizens to help maintain this program into the future.
Show Kay that she is not alone and that she has someone who cares.
