Photo Credit – CBC News

On behalf of United Way Leeds & Grenville, I would like to thank the federal government for announcing funding to United Way Centraide Canada to support vulnerable seniors during the COVID-19 crisis. This means so much at this trying time.

This is an important announcement as it represents a recognition of the impact that the global COVID-19 crisis has had on charitable organizations serving the most vulnerable populations across Canada. We are also heartened by the signal that more investments like this will come. As our communities grapple with the effects of COVID-19, we welcome the opportunity to further our collaboration with the federal government to serve vulnerable Canadians during this pandemic and through our collective recovery afterwards.

Isolated seniors are one of the most vulnerable populations even before the context of a global pandemic. Seniors normally rely on community day-programming where they can socialize with others, participate in physical activity, eat well and maintain a connection to their community.

We also know that seniors are most at risk of contracting and becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19, and day programs have had to close their doors, leaving seniors across our entire region isolated and disconnected. Stuck in their homes, they are afraid for what might happen to them. They are worried about being unable to do anything about it. They feel alone.

The March 29^th investment from the federal government will help us ensure local seniors are not left behind during COVID-19.

There is so much more to be done.

United Way Leeds & Grenville is committed to the most marginalized in our community and we recognize the increased risk and disadvantage that poverty creates.

We support homeless youth, people living in poverty, isolated seniors and many others who are now at even higher risk of poor outcomes due to COVID-19. Now, we are seeing even more people who are in need because of isolation, mental health challenges, violence at home they can’t escape, or inability to prepare for and maintain self-isolation under their financial circumstances.

We’re responding as best we can by partnering with local agencies, municipalities, public health authorities and generous donors. Together, we are working to uncover the greatest needs in the community, and organize our resources together to achieve the greatest impact – to help the most vulnerable, who are depending on us.

United Way Centraide Canada and others, have also been calling on the federal government to create a Community Response Fund to support vulnerable Canadians, and a sector stabilization program to ensure the charities Canadians depend on can survive the current crisis and serve Canadians today, and in the months and years to come.

We are hopeful this much-needed help will arrive in the coming days.

We know residents are struggling at increasing rates with their mental health, many have unmet basic needs, and community agencies and volunteers need support to keep their services running. These are critical areas that would benefit from further federal funding so no one gets left behind. 

During Sunday’s announcement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also called on Canadians with the means to do so, to continue donating to the charities that resonate with you.

We need your help, too, in these unprecedented times.

United Way Leeds & Grenville has established a COVID-19 Relief Funds to help your friends, family and neighbours at this trying time. Please consider donating what you can – every dollar counts!

Trish Buote
Executive Director
United Way Leeds & Grenville

We thought we'd share this hand benefits manual to help you navigate Government services that might be available to you. Click here to see the full manual.

The Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce presents:
Crisis Law: Your business and the pandemic.

Templeman LLP will have a panel of its commercial and employment lawyers available to answer questions in the face of the unprecedented actions being taken due to the COVID-19 pandemic. What does the Government of Ontario’s directive for the closure of non-essential business mean to you and your business? The Templeman panel will answer the questions they are fielding as the situation changes by the hour.

Via video-conference on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at 10:30am.

Please register by email to: jmurray@brockvillechamber.com.

Once you have registered, you will receive a link and password with your confirmation.

If you'd like to donate to our Local Love in a Global Crisis Relief Fund, please click here.

For more information about the Relief Fund, please click here.

To apply for funds from the Relief Fund, please click here.

For a list of helpful links relating to social, government & health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, click here.

We've compiled a great list of resources for you to turn to if you're looking for services, food banks, or COVID-19 news. It will be updated regularly. Visit: https://uwlg.org/get-help.php

Read the press release here.

United Way has launched this initiative to help with coordination efforts and raise funds for those most vulnerable allowing for people to make a donation to support those most in need. Visit the website at https://uwlg.org/covid19.php

Please give today if you are able: https://give.unitedway.ca/donate/UWCCC-SPC1
Note that when you enter your postal code the money will be distributed to your local United Way.

United Way Leeds & Grenville announced today that they have launched Local Love in a Global Crisis initiative to support those who are hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

United Way Leeds & Grenville is asking the community to help support the most vulnerable, as we coordinate with community and social service supports in response to the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) across our region.

We have been reaching out to our community partners, front line agencies, and local health authority to identify needs in our community. Our United Way has identified the following needs, while anticipating they will continue to grow:

• Help for seniors – ensure that while vulnerable people are isolated, they are also supported
• Basic needs – ensure people have access to life’s essentials, such as food
• Capacity for community services – ensure that community partners can continue to do their vital local work
• Mental health support – enable crisis lines and system navigation services
• Support for volunteers – there are amazing people rallying to support others – they need our help too

United Way has launched this initiative to help with coordination efforts and raise funds for those most vulnerable allowing for people to make a donation to support those most in need. Visit the website at https://uwlg.org/covid19.php

“We will work with key partners including health authorities, community organizations, and front-line agencies, by investing to support the communities we serve in this time of great need,” said Trish Buote, Executive Director, United Way. “It is our role to aid in the ongoing support of our community, and to ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind.”

Please take note! The Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence-Rideau has temporarily closed their volunteer income tax preparation services.

Please note that we have decided to close the office until further notice. We will be available by email though:
trish.buote@uwlg.org
christine.radford@uwlg.org
jenny.waite@uwlg.org
tanya.noyes@uwlg.org
 

URGENT NOTICE: Out of an abundance of caution and to protect our staff, donors and volunteers during the COVID-19 Pandemic, United Way Leeds & Grenville is asking where possible, that you telephone (613-342-8889) or email us (info@uwlg.org) rather than come into the office.

Prominent notices will be posted at each office entrance advising employees and visitors not to enter if symptomatic.

Thank you for you attention to this important request.

UWLG Team