April 2, 2020
Seniors Sector News
COVID-19 WEB PAGE RESPONDS TO SENIORS' NEEDS

In an effort to support seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council has developed a  COVID-19 resource web page, which will be maintained and updated regularly in the coming weeks. This page includes updates from seniors' organizations and information to support seniors and their families during this challenging time.
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES EMERGENCY COVID-19 FUNDING FOR NON-PROFIT, CHARITABLE, AND CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS 
Government of Alberta, Ministry of Community and Social Services
(funding distributed by the City of Edmonton) 

Community-based organizations providing COVID-19 support services for seniors, families, and other vulnerable citizens who are isolated could be eligible to receive funding through the Government of Alberta. This provincial funding totalling $30 million will be channelled through municipalities for distribution to local organizations. 

Edmonton-based organizations can apply for this funding through the City of Edmonton by visiting edmonton.ca/COVID-19Grant. 

For information about eligibility, reference the funding guidelines. There is no application deadline at this time. For support, contact 780-496-4933 (leave a message) or email [email protected] .
SENIORS' SUPPORT A PRIORITY IN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE 

On March 29, the Prime Minister announced emergency funding measures to protect vulnerable Canadians and support them to cope with the health, social and economic impacts of COVID-19. Among these measures is a $9 million contribution to support essential services for Canadian seniors. The contribution will be distributed to community-based organizations through the United Way for practical seniors' services, such as grocery and medication delivery.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WAGE SUBSIDY 

On April 1 the federal government provided more detail about the proposed wage subsidy that will allow businesses and non-profits to retain staff.
The proposed Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy would apply at a rate of 75 per cent of the first $58,700 normally earned by employees - representing a benefit of up to $847 per week. The program would be in place for a 12-week period, from March 15 to June 6, 2020.  Eligible employers who suffer a drop in gross revenues of at least 30 per cent in March, April or May, when compared to the same month in 2019, would be able to access the subsidy.

For non-profit organizations and registered charities similarly affected by a loss of revenue, the government will continue to work with the sector to ensure the definition of revenue is appropriate to their circumstances.
ALBERTA NONPROFIT NETWORK LAUNCHES FLASH SURVEY

The Alberta Nonprofit Network (ABNN) and associated capacity organizations have launched a Flash Survey to better understand the impacts of COVID-19 and what the nonprofit sector needs. The aggregate results from this survey will be shared with ABNN government partners (including the Ministry of Culture and Premier's Council) and funders, and will also help the sector to adjust and prioritize. The deadline is this Friday, April 3 at noon. To receive the survey results, contact Cindy Walter at [email protected] .
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
Resources
STAYING CURRENT ON GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC
Alberta Counsel 

To help organizations stay up-to-date on the latest government policy announcements related to COVID-19, Alberta Counsel is providing:
  • A frequently updated infographic that outlines provincial and federal support measures.
  • An opportunity to ask a government relations expert questions about how the government policy announcements affect your organization. While preference is given to Alberta Counsel clients, they have opened this opportunity to all organizations. There is no cost for this service.
RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS DURING THE PANDEMIC
ECVO, Align and the Alberta Council of Disability Services

The document contains resources for nonprofit organizations related to guidelines for working remotely, supports for employees who have been laid off because of the pandemic, and letter templates that nonprofits can use to advocate for government funding to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on operations.

Note that there have been some updates to information about financial support programs offered by various levels of governments mentioned in the document. We have highlighted these updates in the Seniors Sector News section of this Link Letter issue.
MULTILINGUAL RESOURCES

For immigrant, refugee, and newcomer seniors, information about the COVID-19 pandemic has been translated into different languages for ease of access.
  • End Poverty Edmonton: This web page list a variety of resources.
  • Edmonton Chinatown Care Centre: Dr. Bing Li has created an informative series of COVID-19 videos in Cantonese.
COVID-19 VOLUNTEER RESOURCES FOR ORGANIZATIONS 
Volunteer Bénévoles Canada

This resource page responds to the needs of volunteer centres, corporate community engagement professionals, and non-profit rganizations from around the country. It includes resources to help ensure the safety of volunteers while supporting vulnerable people, transition to more virtual volunteer roles, and keep volunteers engaged while programs and services are suspended.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
Learning Opportunities
VIRTUAL TOWN HALL | COVID-19 GLOBAL EFFECTS ON OLDER PEOPLE
International Federation on Ageing
April 3, 7 a.m. (Eastern)
Free

This virtual town hall aims to be a point of connection of friends and colleagues working in the field with and on behalf of millions of vulnerable people. This forum creates an opportunity to share stories of the resilience and courage of older people, while gaining a deeper understanding of barriers and solutions.
HOW TO FIND NEW MONTHLY DONORS FOR YOUR NONPROFIT IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS 
CharityHowTo
April 6 and 8, 3­-4 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

Finding new donors in a time of crisis is not an easy task, especially as many other organizations are competing to do the same. This webinar will show you how to calculate the impact of monthly donors so you're always prepared for the next crisis, include messaging and images in your correspondence to get more donors, and engage with monthly donors so they stay.
LEADING IN A CRISIS: A HOW-TO GUIDE
CharityHowTo
April 6, 9, and 10; 1-1:45 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

Leading a team or an entire organization in the best of times is challenging. Leading during a crisis is overwhelming. Crises magnify the strengths and weaknesses of a leader. It is during these times that a leader is truly tested in their leadership ability and acumen. This webinar will share highly tactical, applicable strategies for communicating with your staff, donors and the general public during a crisis and will provide the tools you need to make the transition from "leader" to "crisis leader".
More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector  (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
News and Events for Seniors
EDMONTON PRIME TIMES UPDATE

Many Link Letter readers also enjoy reading Edmonton Prime Times, so we wanted to give you information on how you can find the latest edition.
This month the Edmonton and Calgary editions of Prime Times are being rolled into one Alberta Prime Times issue. 

Prime Times editor Lucy Haines says that print copies will still be delivered to the same locations they were in the past. An electronic version of the printed paper can be found on the website www.albertaprimetimes.com. Lucy also suggests subscribing to the weekly  newsletter which will have highlights and stories from the print pages too.
ONLINE YOGA AND ZUMBA CLASSES
Edmonton Seniors Centre
Free

The Edmonton Seniors Centre has embraced technology and is offering online classes for seniors (with plans for more in the works).

Yoga and Meditation 
From Monday, March 30 to Wednesday, April 29 ESC is offering the following live, instructor-led classes using Zoom:
  • Monday: Senior Yoga, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday: Stress Reducing Meditation, 9:30 - 10 a.m.
  • Wednesday: Senior Yoga, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
  • Wednesday: Chair Yoga, 10:45 - 11:45 a.m.
To participate in these classes, seniors must receive a Zoom invitation that gives access to the class. Email the instructor to receive an invitation.

ESC has created instructions for how to download and use Zoom.

Chair Zumba Gold
ESC's longtime Zumba instructor has created a playlist on YouTube that seniors can use to participate in Chair Zumba Gold activities. The instructor will be adding to the playlist, so seniors can also subscribe to get updates when new videos are posted.
8-WEEK FITNESS PROGRAM FOR SENIORS
Westend Seniors Activity Centre

Last week, we included a PDF of this great 8-week fitness program for seniors, but did you know it includes videos too? This fitness video series is designed to help all seniors stay active during this pandemic.
BEWARE OF COVID-19 FRAUD
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 

This bulletin released by the Government of Canada details scams that have arisen from the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, opportunistic fraudsters want to profit from consumers' fears, uncertainties and misinformation. Fraudsters are exploiting the crisis to facilitate fraud and cyber crime. This bulletin provides helpful information about reported scams so you can take precautions to protect yourself.
HOW TO REPORT PRICE GOUGING
Government of Alberta

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been increasing reports of price gouging. Consumers can protect themselves by reporting offending businesses to the Service Alberta - Report a Rip off tip line by phoning 1-877-427-4088.
COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO COVID-19 

There are currently a few community response efforts relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. These initiatives exist to support neighbours helping neighbours.

YEG Community Response to COVID 19 Facebook Group
This community-driven Facebook group provides a forum for volunteers to offer help and for those in need to ask for help. It is regularly updated with information by the community.

Community League Volunteer Response
Edmonton community leagues-such as Queen Alexandra, Westmount, and Parkallen-are recruiting community members to assist with volunteer outreach efforts. Additional information about these community-based volunteer efforts will continue to be collected in the coming weeks and will be posted to seniorscouncil.net/covid-19.
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
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:

Submissions for Link Letter can be sent to [email protected].  Review our submission guidelines for more information.