DRIVE HAPPINESS WINS CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE
Drive Happiness
Drive Happiness recently received the CMHA Bettie Hughes Memorial Award, named in remembrance of Bettie Hewes, former CMHA Alberta Division President, Regional Director and MLA. Bettie's lifelong interest in mental health issues and her commitment to improving the quality of life for people with mental illness is an example to all. The award honours a volunteer or volunteers who have given much time and effort in direct service or have promoted the goals of the CMHA throughout the community. Congratulations, Drive Happiness, and thank you for your significant efforts to connect Edmonton seniors.
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FREE MASKS FOR OLDER EDMONTONIANS
Edmonton Coordinated Pandemic Response Group
The Government of Alberta recently provided 90,000 masks to the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council for further distribution. Centres across Edmonton are distributing these masks to older Edmontonians in need. If you're a senior in need of disposable masks, you can locate a pickup depot near you by referencing page two of this document prepared by the Edmonton Coordinated Pandemic Response Group. Please call the centre nearest to you to coordinate a pickup.
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(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
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NOW ACCEPTING PROPOSALS: NEW HORIZONS FOR SENIORS PROGRAMS 2020-2021
Government of Canada
On September 9, the Government of Canada launched the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) 2020-2021 call for proposals for community-based projects across Canada. The deadline to submit applications is October 20 at 12 p.m. (Pacific). Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding. Small grants of up to $5,000 are available to organizations that have not received funding from the program in the past five years. Project proposals will need to demonstrate how the proposed activities reflect the new COVID-19 reality.
The NHSP supports projects that address 1 or more of the 5 program objectives:
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Promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations
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Engaging seniors in the community through the mentoring of others
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Expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse
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Supporting the social participation and inclusion of seniors
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Providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors
Visit the NHSP website for more information and application instructions.
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More awards and funding news (links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations and Funding Options web pages) |
LONG TERM CARE RESOURCES FOR RESIDENTS, FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS
National Institute on Ageing (NIA)
The NIA has created a useful compilation of resources concerning COVID-19 as it relates to long-term care facilities. These tools were developed to help seniors make decisions regarding their living situation, factoring in the risk of COVID-19.
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LAUNCH YOUR CHARITABLE GIFT GUIDE: IT'S EASIER THAN YOU THINK
CanadaHelps
Instantly download this free resource and learn how your organization can benefit from a gift guide. Get started with the knowledge you need to launch a charitable gift guide using CanadaHelps' Customizable Donation Forms. This resource will offer an understanding of how you can use a gift guide to grow donations and offer a unique way for donors to give to your cause.
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(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
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NO PLACE LIKE HOME(SHARE): INSIGHTS FROM AN INTERGENERATIONAL HOMESHARING PROGRAM IN TORONTO
Ontario Age-Friendly Communities Outreach Program
September 30, 12-1 p.m. (Eastern)
Free
In collaboration with the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (NICE), the City of Toronto, implemented the Toronto HomeShare Pilot Project that matched 11 over-housed older adults 55+ with post-secondary student homeseekers who were having trouble securing safe and affordable housing. This webinar will share insights from the program's implementation, research and evaluation, as well as ideas and solutions for scaling up projects based on the Toronto model to other areas of the province and country.
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HOW SOME NONPROFITS HAVE THRIVED DURING COVID-19...THE ART OF "PIVOTING"
Bloomerang
October 1, 11 a.m. (Eastern)
Free
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every person and business on the planet. Many national and international nonprofits have been hit hard while some nonprofits have managed to thrive, despite these significant challenges. In this webinar, learn the secrets of successful nonprofits around the globe and find out what is possible during times of crisis by "pivoting" your operations to succeed.
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FINANCIAL TRAINING FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO) and Deloitte
Thursdays, October 8-November 26, 2-4 p.m. (eight sessions)
$210 members; $300 non-members
Organizations with strong financial management are better positioned to fulfill their missions and deliver high-quality services. Led by a team of professionals from Deloitte, ECVO is excited to host a virtual edition of their popular financial training series to support your organization's efforts to stay "fiscally fit".
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INSTITUTE FOR LIFE COURSE & AGING ONLINE WORKSHOPS
University of Toronto
$240 general; $120 University of Toronto students
The Institute for Life Course and Aging has developed workshops to meet the demand for ongoing professional development among healthcare workers and other professionals working with the aging population. Workshops offer participants the opportunity to work at their own pace, interact with instructors and with other participants from a variety of backgrounds. Upcoming workshops include:
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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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LEAVING HOME & STAYING SAFE: BALANCING RISKS & MENTAL HEALTH
Edmonton Pandemic Coordinated Response Group
This new resource includes practical information for older adults to stay safe while protecting their mental health. It provides ideas of activities that can be done remotely while also offering suggestions for lower risk activities to reduce social isolation.
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SUICIDE PREVENTION & SUPPORT RESOURCES
Various organizations
Free
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The pandemic has had major consequences for Canadians, making it challenging to maintain a positive outlook at times. Thankfully, help is available. There are many support lines and resources available for individuals suffering from depression. Times are tough, but you don't have to go it alone.
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COMMUNITY LEAGUE DAY
Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues (EFCL)
September 19
Various times and locations
Free
Community League Day looks a bit different this year but there's still lots to enjoy with leagues across Edmonton offering a selection of fun, socially distanced events and activities ranging from drive-in movies, dog shows, bring-your-own picnics and much more. For a full listing of events and to find activities happening at a league near you, check out the EFCL Community League Day website.
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TAX PLANNING TIPS WEBINAR - MEDICAL EXPENSES, ATTENDANT CARE, DISABILITY TAX CREDIT AND MORE
Early Onset Dementia Alberta Foundation and MNP
September 23, 10 a.m.
Free
This webinar is for seniors and their families and will provide an overview of the eligibility requirements for benefits and who can claim them. This webinar will take place on Zoom. Following registration, you will be emailed a join link for the session. Email [email protected] to register.
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REMINDER: REGISTER FOR ONLINE CLASSES AT SEESA
South East Edmonton Seniors Association (SEESA)
Online Classes at SEESA are up and running online! Visit www.seesa.ca to have a look at online classes available this fall. The next session will run ten weeks from October 13 until December 18. Registration for this 10-week session begins on Monday, September 21. Get active this fall by participating in one of these many online instructor-led classes. Call 780-468-1985 for more information.
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LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER: ACTIVITIES FOR MILL WOODS SENIORS
Mill Woods Seniors Association (2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor)
A reminder that fall registration is wrapping up at MWSA. To avoid disappointment, visit the MWSA website. Fill your fall social calendar with fun programs, including pickleball and cabaret dance! Call 780-496-2997 to learn more.
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FALL SPEECHREADING 1 & COPING CLASS
Canadian Hard of Hearing Association-Edmonton Branch
Wednesdays, September 30-December 2, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: Jerry Forbes Centre (12122 68 Street)
$175 for 9 lessons
Speechreading is the ability to understand speech by observing visual cues, such as the movement of the lips, tongue, jaw and facial expressions. Speechreading also involves observing other cues such as body language, gestures and situational clues. It is a skill that can be learned through study and practice. Coping strategies go hand in hand with this skill and its success. The registration deadline for the fall session is September 23. To register, call 780-428-6622 or email [email protected].
Additionally, the Association is selling speechreading masks. These special masks provide a clear acrylic lens, so that an individual's mouth is visible. Masks are comfortable, lightweight and reusable and should be washed by hand. To order yours, email [email protected] or call 780-428-6624.
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MARKET GARDEN: BUY ORGANIC PRODUCE & SUPPORT LOCAL SENIORS!
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)
Every Wednesday & Saturday in September, 10 a.m.
Free admission
The seniors at NWESS have worked hard on the farm and in their gardens to bring you beautiful, organic produce at reasonable prices. Support these amazing seniors by shopping the NWESS market garden throughout September. Social distancing markers will be in place and hand sanitizer will be available. Please remember to wear your mask! The market is cash-only. Call 780-451-1925 for more information.
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FAMILY CAREGIVER WELLNESS WORKSHOPS
NorQuest College
Location: Online
$15 per workshop
NorQuest has successfully received funding from the Government of Canada's Emergency Community Support Fund, distributed through the United Way (Alberta Capital Region). This funding has allowed the college to offer their fall Family Caregiver Workshops at a subsidized rate. Take advantage of this great opportunity to hone your caregiving skills! All workshops are online and available at various times and dates to suit your schedule.
Upcoming workshops:
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STAYING WELL & THRIVING DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES: FINDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR POSITIVE CHANGE
Sage Seniors Association and JFSE Edmonton Healing Center for Grief & Loss
Mondays, October 19-November 16, 1-3 p.m. (four sessions)
Location: Online
Free
This free workshop is all about building our strengths and wellbeing during (and despite of) the pandemic. Learn how to stay active, responsible, connected, resilient and aware. Each session also contains brief meditations to help clear your mind. Space is limited to 15 and pre-registration is required. You will receive a link to the Zoom session, date, and time after registration is completed.
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ZUMBA CLASSES (PRE-RECORDED)
$15 members; $25 non-members
This class is perfect for busy seniors who work part-time, care for loved ones, or who simply cannot fit a scheduled class into their calendar. These pre-recorded Zumba classes are accessible by a link that is valid for up to twenty-four hours from the start of the class. Go online to register. Call 780-433-5807 for more information.
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PLAN AHEAD: FOOD SECURITY DURING COVID-19
If the need arises to self-isolate or the weather get colder, how will you get affordable, healthy meals or groceries? Edmonton Meals on Wheels provides affordable, easily accessible, healthy and nutritious meals and grocery programs for all Edmontonians. Whether you're struggling to cook well-balanced meals every day, unable to shop for groceries, or could benefit from having ready-to-eat or frozen microwavable meals at your disposal, Meals on Wheels has a program for you! For more information, visit www.mealsonwheelsedmonton.org or call 780-429-2020.
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(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors 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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