June 11, 2020
Seniors Sector News
MASKS AVAILABLE FOR ALBERTANS
Government of Alberta

Free non-medical masks are available at various drive-thru locations starting June 8. You can get four free masks per person at any Alberta A&W, McDonald's or Tim Hortons drive-thru. Masks are available while supplies last with no purchase necessary. For safety reasons, masks will not be distributed inside restaurants or at locations without drive-thrus.
ALBERTA GOVERNMENT PLANS FOR STAGE TWO OF RELAUNCH STRATEGY
Government of Alberta

The Alberta Government is planning to enter stage two of its relaunch strategy starting June 12. The decision to proceed forward is a result of data that illustrates lower than expected COVID-19 cases in Alberta. Phase two of the relaunch will reopen more businesses and sport and recreation services. Some larger gatherings will be permitted and will be expected to follow public health guidance.

While it's good news that cases are decreasing, the ESCC encourages older Edmontonians to continue exercising caution. We advise seniors to continue to practice social distancing. If gathering, we recommend doing so in small groups, outdoors, and keeping two metres between guests. The Alberta Government recommends exploring virtual participation options for people over 60 and those with medical conditions to minimize risk. Seniors centres remain closed, however, many are offering online activities and friendly phone calling. See our news and events page for a listing of recreation options.
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
Resources
AGING WITH PRIDE GUIDE
Government of Alberta

The Government of Alberta, in partnership with many community leaders and non-profit and volunteer organizations, developed a resource to help meet the needs of LGBTQ2S+ seniors. 

Aging with Pride: A Guide to Creating Inclusive Services for LGBTQ2S+ Older Adults will help organizations and businesses create a more welcoming environment for all seniors, including those who identify as LGBTQ2S+.  The easy-to-use guide provides six strategies and multiple sample tools that organizations can use to conduct a self-audit and identify any gaps in service. For more information, email [email protected].
EIGHT WAYS TO SUPPORT BRAIN HEALTH FOR RURAL OLDER ADULTS
Centre for Active Living

Brain health is a growing concern among older adults. Globally, approximately 50 million people live with dementia and this number is projected to increase. Age is the most important risk factor for developing dementia, and the number of rural older adults is rising in Canada. The findings of this research project revealed a more holistic and multidimensional view of brain health than previously cited in the literature. Drawing on the study's findings, this article lists eight ways rural seniors can support their brain health.
NINE FREE REMOTE TEAM-BUILDING IDEAS TO KEEP CO-WORKERS CONNECTED
CharityVillage (originally published on CareerWise)

Whether your team is suddenly working remotely due to COVID-19, or is accustomed to being apart, it's important to continue to cultivate a sense of community. This can combat loneliness and isolation and build trust among team members. Not only will being more connected help team members feel happier, they may work more effectively together. This blog post outlines options for bringing people together online. These activities can be easily facilitated through any video conferencing tool.
30+ FREE TOOLS FOR NONPROFITS
Keela

While most "freemium" nonprofit resources are rather limited, there are still quite a few that give you real value. This blog post will walk you through the best free nonprofit resources in each category and explain how you can get the most value from each of them.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
Learning Opportunities
COVID-19 AND OLDER PEOPLE: GRANDPARENTING IN A PANDEMIC
International Federation on Ageing
June 12, 7 a.m. (Eastern)
Free

COVID-19 has brought with it many unprecedented challenges, particularly regarding the impacts on older people. It has also presented an opportunity for many societies to re-evaluate grandparenting roles and to identify practices that protect the well-being of grandparents, grandchildren and their families. This Town Hall will explore political and public health strategies that affect grandparents and grandparenting during the ongoing pandemic. If you can't attend this event due to the early time, you can find it posted online in the following days. 
HOW TO VIRTUALLY TRAIN VOLUNTEERS
Nonprofit Learning Lab
3-4 p.m. (Eastern); June 15, July 22, August 4 or August 20 (various dates)
$25 USD members; $50 USD non-members

This webinar will give you the tools and understanding needed to train your volunteers remotely. Learn how to:
  • Prepare for a virtual training
  • Get your volunteers committed to the process
  • Align your volunteer training with the goals of your volunteer program
  • Analyze instructional design and weave these concepts into a volunteer training program
  • Practice engaging training techniques
THE GREAT DISCONNECT: VIRTUAL SCREENING AND PANEL DISCUSSION 
City of Edmonton Neighbourhood Services
June 18, 7-8:30 p.m.
Free

The City of Edmonton's Neighbourhood Services invites you to a free virtual screening of The Great Disconnect, a 45-minute film that speaks to the health and social impacts of loneliness and the value and potential of neighbouring approaches unique to Edmonton. These approaches include building neighbourly relationships through Abundant Community Edmonton (ACE), neighbourhood revitalization, community development initiatives and connecting with each other where we live. The film will be followed by a panel discussion.
RESPONDING TO FINANCIAL CRISES THEN AND NOW
Ontario Nonprofit Network and Imagine Canada
June 18, 12-1 p.m. (Mountain)
Free

Nonprofits across the country are adapting, innovating, and responding to COVID-19. But there is still work to be done to ensure our sector can recover fully. In this webinar, discover lessons from previous crises that can help our sector move forward and prepare for a post-COVID-19 world. In this webinar you will:
  • Learn the differences in how the nonprofit sector has responded to this crisis compared to other crises in the past, such as SARS in 2003 and the Great Recession in 2009
  • Hear lessons learned from previous crises that can help organizations lead in times of COVID-19 and beyond
  • Get advice on how to prepare for a post-COVID-19 world
CANADIAN FUNDRAISING AND COVID-19
Charity Village
June 18, 1-2 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

Get the scoop on fundraising best practices during COVID-19, in a Canadian context. Using real-time email tracking data from 72+ Canadian charities and the newly developed Online Giving Index from CanadaHelps, this webinar will share key data trends to show how Canadian charities have responded to COVID-19 through email and how donors have been responding online. See examples of real emails from Canadian organizations, along with tips and suggestions on how you can improve your own fundraising emails during COVID-19 or anytime.
HUMAN FACTORS IN HEALTHCARE (PART ONE)
Institute for Continuing Care Education and Research (ICCER)
June 24, 10 a.m. (Mountain)
Free for members; $15/site for non-ICCER members

This webinar focuses on the interrelationship between humans, the tools and equipment they use, and the workplace environment in care settings. The speaker will share how this body of knowledge can be used to design or evaluate healthcare processes, information, equipment, and environments.
This is the first part in a 3-part series discussing the role of human factors in care environments with a focus on quality and resident safety. Parts two and three will be held this fall and will focus on applying human factors to enhance medication safety and facility design.
More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector  (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
News and Events for Seniors
DRIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHTS 
The Workshop Eatery
June 11-21
$17.50 per person; $50 per family in one vehicle (ticket prices do not include food)

Workshop Eatery is hosting ten days of drive-in movie nights for up to 40 vehicles where you can order delicious food right from your vehicle. Round up the grandkids for a night of nostalgic fun! 
YEG FOOD TRUCK DRIVE THRU
Premium Outlet Collection (1 Outlet Collection Way)
June 13, 12-7 p.m.
Free admission

Attend a food truck drive thru and sample some delicious local offerings. Safe social distancing practices will be strictly enforced. Participants are asked to stay in their vehicle to enjoy great food served up from local food trucks. Proceeds from sales will go toward the Leduc Food Bank. Enjoy one truck or try them all!
PRIDE AT HOME
Fruit Loop
June 13, 8-9:30 p.m.

Pride has moved online this year! Join Fruit Loop for a live stream of an incredible cast of performers direct from The Starlite Room in downtown Edmonton. Additional details can be found on the Facebook event (RSVP so you'll get notifications!) Get ready for a fun-filled night of rainbows, glitter, and genderbending performances. 
WORLD'S FIRST 24-HOUR TRUE STORYTELLING FESTIVAL
Replay Storytelling
June 13, 6 p.m.
Admission by donation

The world's first 24-hour True Storytelling Festival is a gathering of storytellers from around the world sharing true personal stories, without any notes, to a live audience over twenty-four hours. The theme for the inaugural festival is "When the Impossible becomes Possible - stories of unexpected surprises, human resilience, and coming through on the other side." The festival is free to watch but donations are welcome. Proceeds will go toward local charities around the world that need support.
COOKING CLASSES
The Shaama Centre for Seniors and Women
Tuesdays, 12 p.m. (starting June 16)
Free

No need to go to a fancy restaurant. Learn to whip up tantalizing South Asian dishes at home! In this online class series, you will learn a new dish each week from culinary experts. Call 780-465-2992 or email [email protected] to register. Due to safety reasons, the centre will not be providing samples of dishes at this time, however, a tasting event will be scheduled in the future when it is safe to do so. 
ONLINE PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Sage Seniors Association

Your favourite Sage activities are now available online. Get your fitness fix in "Everyday Fitness", join a "Sing-a-Long" and belt out some old favourites or transport yourself to the beaches of Hawaii in "Ukulele Summer Strum". Visit www.mysage.ca/events or call 780-423-5510 ext. 301 for full details. 
QUARANTINE CONCERTS
Various performers

In the age of COVID-19, there's no shortage of great virtual concerts to choose from. Whatever your jam is, this roundup of concerts is constantly being updated with new musical selections to rock or mellow out to. This weekend's selection includes a capella performances, soothing acoustic guitar, and-for the musically adventurous-electronica.
GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP SERVICES
Sage Seniors Association

Sage is pleased to share that they are once again offering Guardianship and Trusteeship services. Sage is operating this program independently as a social enterprise. As a charitable organization, Sage is committed to ensuring that these services remain accessible and has set their pricing structure to be as affordable as possible for the majority of clients, while also ensuring they are able to provide this service for a low cost to individuals who qualify below a certain income threshold.

Sage's program offers guidance to anyone applying for private Guardianship and/or Trusteeship. With over 35 years of experience assisting families and individuals to complete this process, Sage can be trusted to provide the guidance and support needed to complete the application forms. For more information please call 780-423-5510 ext. 404 or go online. 
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:

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