PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR NON-AHS FACILITIES
Government of Alberta
The government is encouraging non-Alberta Health Services (AHS) facilities, such as pharmacies, disability service providers, social service and civil society groups, and independent medical clinics, to
submit requests for PPE by emailing
[email protected]. Requests will be processed through the Provincial Operations Centre based on specific need.
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INCREASED SUPPORTS FOR ALBERTA CAREGIVERS
Government of Alberta
$3 million has been allocated to Caregivers Alberta to expand supports for caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic and into the future. Funding will help expand support programs and resources for the almost one million Albertans who are caregivers for family and friends, and ensure the many dedicated Albertans caring for their loved ones at home or in the community have access to the supports they need to maintain their well-being.
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BOOSTING CHARITABLE DONATIONS DURING COVID-19
Government of Alberta
Starting April 15, the Alberta government will
match donations up to $2 million to Alberta-based charities and non-profit organizations with COVID-19 fundraising campaigns. Albertans who donate to these designated organizations by May 31 will have their donations matched by the province. Edmonton-based organizations include the United Way of the Capital Region - Local Love in a Global Crisis Campaign and Edmonton Community Foundation - COVID Rapid Response Fund.
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(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
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COVID-19 COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE SHEET
Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton
CMHA Edmonton has compiled an informative
resource sheet with information to help Edmontonians take care of their mental health during the pandemic. The resource includes helpful tips on self-care, keeping in contact with others, and reminders to keep anxiety in check.
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HOW TO HELP SENIORS FEEL LESS ISOLATED
New Trail Magazine
This
article outlines some excellent tips for supporting seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ideas include keeping in touch, organizing remote group activities, supporting care staff, and encouraging others to reach out. Solving seniors' social isolation requires community effort. We all have a role to play in connecting seniors during these unprecedented times.
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COVID-19 DISABILITY-RELATED RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
Canadian Association of Community Living
The implications of COVID-19 for people with intellectual disabilities and their families are significant. CACL will be sharing disability-related resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic on their new
resource page. The page includes mental health resources, accessibility information as it relates to COVID-19, and emergency preparedness information for individuals with disabilities.
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MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
WellCan
WellCan offers free resources to help Canadians develop coping strategies and build resilience to help deal with uncertainty, mental health, and substance abuse concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Resources include toolkits to adapt to remote work, tips on effective physical distancing, using technology to combat loneliness in isolation/quarantine and articles about managing feelings of sadness, anxiety, and stress.
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7 TIPS FOR STAYING SANE WHEN YOU'RE WORKING FROM HOME
Wild Apricot
Across the world, workplaces are transitioning to remote work in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. While it has certain advantages, working from home also comes with its fair share of unique challenges. This
blog post contains tips and tricks to get the most out of working from home.
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A CHARITY'S GUIDE TO CANADA'S COVID-19 GOVERNMENTAL SUPPORTS AND PROGRAMS
CanadaHelps
This
web page provides a comprehensive overview of all government support measures available across Canada in response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the employment supports available to Canada's charitable sector. It will be updated as new information on these measures emerge, and if any new supports for charities are provided by our governments.
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(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
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HOW TO BE A GREAT BOARD CHAIR
Propel Nonprofits
April 22, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Mountain)
Free
The board chair is the highest officer of the nonprofit board of directors. This
webinar prepares the board chair for governance and leadership responsibilities. It will cover how to design effective board meetings, attend to board development, partner with the CEO/ED, and lead as an ambassador for the organization.
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UNDER-REPORTING OF ABUSE: HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?
Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
April 23, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Mountain)
Free
Minimal research has been conducted on reporting of abuse of older adults, and this is especially true in the Prairie Provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta). This webinar will explore preliminary findings from a tri-provincial study in 2019 involving semi-structured interviews with older adults about their experiences of abuse. This
webinar will identify key aspects regarding the reasons for and context of underreporting in the cases of neglect and abuse of older adults and provide recommendations for enhancing disclosures among older adults experiencing abuse.
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COVID-19 AND OLDER PEOPLE: THE URGENCY IN LOW AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES
International Federation on Ageing
April 24, 7 a.m. (GMC -4)
Free
COVID-19 has brought with it many challenges, particularly regarding the impacts on older people. Now is the time to share knowledge and experiences in the fight to protect and respect the rights of older people around the world. In this virtual town hall hear stories of resilience and courage from your friends and colleagues working with and on behalf of millions of vulnerable older adults in these unprecedented times.
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HOW TO SET UP AND RUN A SUCCESSFUL FACEBOOK FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN FOR YOUR NONPROFIT
CharityHowTo
April 28, 3 p.m. (Eastern)
$99 USD (use case sensitive promo code "bigdiscount50" to receive 50% off)
In this nonprofit
webinar, learn step-by-step proven tactics and strategies to successfully set up and run a great Facebook fundraising campaign for your nonprofit. Facebook is an excellent platform for fundraising, having raised $1 billion from 20 million people since being introduced three years ago. Tap into this powerful fundraising platform and get the most out of your efforts.
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More
learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
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News and Events for Seniors
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ONLINE COURSES
Westend Seniors Activity Centre
Stay healthy and socially connected with online programming! WSAC is now offering several online courses in the areas of fitness, dance, yoga, mindfulness, and wellness.
Go online to find the right program for you. For more information and to register, email
[email protected].
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WELL CONNECTED
ElderCare Edmonton
Wednesdays, 10 - 11 a.m.
Free
This new program provides community-based programming in a virtual setting. No matter your age or where you are in the province, you can stay connected by participating in activities, education, and friendly conversation. Both caregivers and care recipients are welcome to participate! Groups are facilitated by ElderCare Edmonton therapeutic recreation specialists. Register through
Eventbrite to receive a Zoom link to the program.
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EPL FROM HOME
EPL from Home offers a variety of resources, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, eMagazines and newspapers, music, and online classes for all ages. If you do not have a library card,
register for free online for immediate access to EPL's digital content.
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COVID-19 SPECIFIC FRAUDS AND SCAMS TARGETING SENIORS
Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario and CanAge
This handy one-pager lists the top 10 COVID-19 frauds and scams currently being used to prey on vulnerable seniors during the COVID-19 crisis (Information adapted from Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre). Thanks to the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse for sharing!
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VIRTUAL VISION MATE PROGRAM
For Canadians who are blind or partially sighted, physical distancing can present a unique set of challenges that can contribute to feelings of isolation that many already experience on a daily basis. During this unprecedented time, one of the easiest things we can do is reach out to each other to engage in friendly conversation and offer support. The CNIB Foundation has adapted one of its core program offerings, the Vision Mate program, to engage volunteers to
connect virtually with participants by phone or online at least once a week.
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SHAKESPEARE SONNETS READ BY PATRICK STEWART
Iconic actor Sir Patrick Stewart is
spreading joy during the COVID-19 pandemic by taking to
Twitter to read a Shakespeare sonnet each day. Have a listen for some uplifting literary inspiration and get your daily dose of positivity.
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HELP SHOW #ALBERTACARES
Right now, the internet is being flooded with stories that show how Albertans are supporting one another. Alberta's chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw is asking the public to
share positive stories on social media using the hashtag #AlbertaCares. Do you know about a positive initiative in your neighbourhood? Spread the good news and show how much #AlbertaCares.
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COZY COUCH CONCERTS
Musician Marin Kerr is offering "couch concerts" live on Facebook. See his
Facebook page for full details and videos and enjoy uplifting music at home.
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NEED HELP? CALL THE SENIORS INFORMATION PHONE LINE
If you need help, but don't know where to go, call the Seniors Information Phone Line by dialing "211" and pressing "2". 211 community information specialists will be able to direct you to supports and services that can help.
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(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
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Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
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WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR IDEAS FOR SUPPORTING SENIORS!
The pandemic is making things difficult for many of us, especially seniors. So far, we've heard some great tips for keeping seniors connected, including making phone calls, visiting from a distance, having a Zoom video call and more. One senior we've spoken to is currently reading books to another senior via telephone. His telephone reading program is a great idea for reducing loneliness during this time. If you have ideas for supporting seniors during the pandemic, share them with us at
[email protected].
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DONATIONS WANTED
Operation Friendship Seniors Society
Have some spare time on your hands while isolating? Now is a great time to get organized and do a bit of spring cleaning! If you have items to donate, collect them in bags and put them aside for Operation Friendship Seniors Society. While the drop-off centre is currently closed, donations will be needed after the pandemic. Have some extra bottles kicking around? Hang on to those too as OFSS will be completing a bottle drive in the future. For more information go to
www.ofss.org.
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(links to the Volunteer and Work Opportunities web page)
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MORE INFORMATION
Link Letter includes new items each week.
If you're looking for content that was included in a previous issue of Link Letter, refer to the ESCC website:
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STAY CONNECTED
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