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United Way COVID-19 Funds Awarded

Friday, 8 May 2020 18:21

Ten community organizations have been awarded funding to support services and supports for seniors and Elders across the Yukon.

Up to 2,000 individuals aged 55+ will be helped over the next seven weeks.

United Way Yukon established the Vulnerable Seniors COVID-19 Response Fund with funds provided by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program. The goal is to help address the urgent needs of seniors and Elders affected by the pandemic.

A wide range of activities are to be undertaken, including food delivery (meals or hampers), household cleaning, computer and internet access, provision of health kits and basic cleaning supplies, arts/game supplies, and social programming. Service delivery will begin right away and end by June 30, as the focus of the program is on urgent needs.

Programming will be offered in Whitehorse, Watson Lake, Burwash Landing, Haines Junction, Old Crow and via the internet (e.g. Zoom).

United Way Yukon President David Whiteside says, We are confident that the groups undertaking these projects will significantly enhance the quality of life for seniors and Elders who have been hardest hit by the COVID pandemic.

NGOs and First Nations were invited to submit a simplified project application, with a fast turnaround guaranteed on funding if successful. Funding will flow to successful applications by May 15.

The $9 million New Horizons for Seniors Program funding was announced in late March, one of the first federal programs focused on putting in place a program of supports to assist vulnerable Canadians and the helping sector.

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