Mississauga, Ont. – This past year has been devasting, especially for aging adults. Many have endured extreme isolation, losing loved ones and worry over their future. As the Director of Community Relations of the local Home Instead, I also witnessed how connection, kindness and compassion made a huge difference for our clients.
While we know we can’t serve every older adult in our community, we want to help as many as we can. That’s why we’re partnering with the Alzheimer Society of Peel for Home Instead Charites’ Give65 Event – a 65-hour online giving event exclusively for charitable organizations serving aging adults. This year’s event is July 13 – 16 at Give65.ca.
We’ve experienced the impact this organization has on the aging population and the value they bring to our community. During this year’s Give65 Event, the Alzheimer Society of Peel is raising funds for their virtual resources program. The COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented challenges to us all. For the safety of their members and staff, the Alzheimer Society Peel has closed their Day Programs and Nora's House, but their support for those who need their services continues - yes, they’ve gone virtual. They need your help! Due to technology costs, their most vulnerable are unable to access our virtual resources. Please help them provide devices for their members who are isolated at home during the pandemic. Their team is innovating to deliver programs to their members and care-partners via a variety of virtual means: ◦Staff team members phone weekly to check in with their Day Program members and their Care Partners ◦Staff team members deliver online programming ◦Counsellors call Care Partners and members to provide ongoing support and to link them with important community resources ◦Ruth, their Music Therapist, sings meaningful songs to their members online in groups, and to individuals in need ◦Danielle and Mary, their Public Education Coordinators, deliver education sessions to the community on Alzheimer's and related dementias online ◦Emily, their Social Media Specialist uploads weekly video programming for person's living with dementia to their website. The need for the Alzheimer Society Peel has never been greater. Their community is particularly vulnerable to this pandemic. They are working hard to alleviate fear and isolation for their members who have this experience. With your support, we can help those living with dementia. Thank you.
Especially during this past year, the Alzheimer Society of Mississauga adapted so they could continue to serve their vulnerable clients in a meaningful and safe way. These changes were critical, but they also created unexpected expenses that impacted their budget.
As part of the Give65 Event, Home Instead Charities is providing up to $55,000 in matching grants and $20,000 in bonus grants to inspire giving on a greater level. The need to support this organization is greater than ever and now donations have the chance to be doubled.
Home Instead of Mississauga, Peel and Oakville and the Alzheimer Society of Peel would love the opportunity to spotlight the fourth-annual Give65 Event and highlight the programs and services making a difference in the lives of aging adults in the Peel Region.
To learn more about the Give65 program, please visit Give65.ca. For more information about Alzheimer Society of York, please visit GIVE65 -if you need assistance, please reach out to dgallagher@homeinstead.com.
Dan Gallagher
Director of Community Relations.
Home Instead Mississauga Office.
