The recently established Buddy Services Centre for Seniors in Toronto has received a grant of $25,000 from the Emergency Community Support Fund (COVID-19 ECSF) to help fulfill the needs of the “vulnerable population” in the O’Connor-Parkview community during the current global pandemic, says a news release from the Centre.
The release notes that the community houses a wide range of residents, including seniors, immigrants, and visible minorities living in poverty and that adults who earn less than $30,000 annually or have a fixed income and are 55-years and older are eligible to receive the services provided by the Centre.
Trinidad-born Carol Royer, Founder and Executive Director of the Centre, said, “many elderly persons in the community are diagnosed with cancer, AIDS, or has mental health issues which make it difficult for them to run simple errands like grocery shopping or get to doctors’ offices”.
Companionship, transportation to and from appointments and community activities, assistance with meal planning and preparation and personal care support are among the services provided by the Centre, the release says.
Over the next few weeks, staff from the Centre will meet with seniors in the community to inform them of the services available and “assist them in the qualification process.,” the release notes.
Launched last May by the government of Canada, the ECSF is a $350 million program.
Published by: The Caribbean Camera