We hope you enjoyed reading Link Letter this year and we thank you for your contributions. The first issue of 2021 will arrive in your inbox early January. The ESCC office will be closed beginning December 21st. We. We will respond to emails and phone calls as soon as possible once we re-open on January 4th. We wish you all the best this holiday season!
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NEW COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS ACROSS ALBERTA
Government of Alberta
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On Tuesday December 8th the Government of Alberta announced mandatory new restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Effective December 8:
- ALL indoor and outdoor social gatherings are prohibited (to be enforced with $1,000 fines)
- Masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces and workplaces
Effective December 13:
- Working from home is mandatory when physical presence is not required
- Some businesses will be required to close, reduce capacity, or limit in-person access
The restrictions are province-wide and will be in place until January 12, 2021.
There is also additional financial assistance for small and medium sized businesses, which may apply to some non-profit organizations. The Government of Alberta announced an expansion to the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant.
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(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
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APPLY NOW: RURAL/REMOTE ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION FOR SENIORS (ATS) SERVICE PROVIDERS 2020-2021 FUNDING
Medically At-Risk Driver Centre (MARD)
Application deadline: Dec. 15, 5 p.m.
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The spread of COVID-19 and temporary closures of alternate transportation for seniors’ (ATS) services due to safety concerns have had a negative impact on the health and well-being of seniors in the province. Alberta’s relaunch strategy, begun in June 2020, has resulted in a surge in demand for transportation for medical and essential services for seniors. This new funding call from MARD will assist not-for-profit ATS service providers in rural and remote locations of the province in addressing the demand for seniors’ transportation. For more information contact Dr. Bonnie Dobbs at [email protected] or call 780-938-1507.
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APPLY NOW: CANADA EMERGENCY RENT SUBSIDY (CERS)
Government of Canada
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The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy provides direct commercial rent or property expense support to tenants and property owners of qualifying organizations (businesses, charities, and non-profits) affected by COVID-19. The subsidy provides support up to a maximum of 65 per cent of eligible expenses. Qualifying organizations that are under a lockdown or have significantly limited activities due to a public health order will have access to Lockdown Support, a top-up subsidy of 25 per cent.
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APPLY NOW: SNOW REMOVAL GRANT
City of Edmonton
Application Deadline: Feb. 1, 2021
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The City of Edmonton is providing grant funding to interested community leagues who wish to develop snow removal programming that supports seniors and persons with disabilities. The funding can be used to contract out snow removal for target citizens, purchase shared use equipment or to fund honorariums. One time Community League Snow Removal Grants of $1,000 are available each year while funding remains. Citizens will be directed to contact their local Community League to see if there is support available. For more information, email the City of Edmonton: [email protected].
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INFO SESSION: COMMUNITY BETTER CHALLENGE GRANT
ParticipACTION
Application deadline: Feb. 26, 2021
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Now more than ever, physical activity and sport participation needs to be promoted and prioritized to help Canadians stay healthy in mind, body, and community spirit. That’s why ParticipACTION is excited to announce the launch of the 2021 ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge, which will take place from June 1-30, 2021. Organizations can apply for grants between January 25 and February 26 to help put on great physical activity events (either in-person or virtually) during the challenge. Grant guidelines and specifications will be coming soon. In the meantime, you can register for an informative webinar on January 21, 1-2 p.m. (Eastern) to learn more about the grant process and how to create a great application.
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More awards and funding news (links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations and Funding Options web pages)
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WORKING STRONGER CONFERENCE
Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Division
Mar. 9-10, 2021
Online
$250 (early bird registration – until Jan. 15)
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Working Stronger is a virtual conference that brings together employers, leaders, employees, union leaders, consultants, human resource professionals, occupational health and safety personnel, and health professionals from across the province to learn about mental health and best practices in workplace mental health.
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TELEPHONE TOWN HALL WITH HONOURABLE JOSEPHINE PON, MINISTER OF SENIORS AND HOUSING AND DR. MARCIA JOHNSON, DEPUTY CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH
Dec. 10, 2-3 p.m.
Free
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The Ministry of Seniors and Housing is inviting community-based seniors serving organizations and their allied partners to a telephone town hall with Honourable Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing, Dr. Marcia Johnson, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health, and guest panelists to receive updates on government supports for seniors related to public health measures, caregiving, mental health, and community supports. Pre-registration for this event ends at 10:30 a.m. on December 10.
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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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SEEKING RESEARCHERS: AGING IN PLACE CHALLENGE PROGRAM
Government of Canada and National Research Council
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The Government of Canada’s new Aging in Place Challenge Program is currently seeking researchers from the academic community, the not-for-profit and private sectors, and Indigenous governments to collaborate on developing breakthroughs to help older adults and their caregivers to live safe, healthy and socially connected lives while remaining in their homes and communities of choice. The aim is to reduce by 20 per cent the number of older adults requiring nursing home care across Canada by 2031.
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VOLUNTEER MEMBER RELATIONS COORDINATOR (VMRC)
Mill Woods Seniors Association
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Reporting to the Executive Director, the VMRC position requires an individual who is detail-oriented, passionate about volunteer work, and has strong listening, communication, and strategic relationship-building skills. This role requires a high degree of computer literacy. Experience working with seniors and administration is an asset. The VMRC position is responsible for managing the MWSA database of volunteers and members, including: recruiting, training, and matching volunteers to opportunities that suit their skills and interests, keeping them informed, and ensuring their comfort in the position. This position additionally acts as the liaison between MWSA and MWSA members, tasked with maintaining and tracking membership figures. The deadline to apply for this role is Dec. 11. See the posting for complete details, including application instructions.
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(links to the ESCC Sector Job Postings web page)
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HOLIDAY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR EDMONTON SENIORS
Various organizations, list compiled by Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council
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Many of our holiday celebrations will look a bit different this year, but there are plenty of opportunities to share in the spirit of the season. From virtual dinners to socially distanced outings and everything in between, we are compiling a list of COVID-safe events and activities for Edmonton seniors this holiday season. Be sure to check back regularly – activities will be added as we hear about them.
If you know of any activities to include, or initiatives to help connect seniors throughout the season, we'd love to hear them! Send tips to [email protected].
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TURKEY DINNERS FOR EDMONTON SENIORS
Various organizations
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Edmonton’s seniors organizations are working hard to spread joy this holiday season by cooking up tasty turkey dinners with all the fixings!
Dec. 18; 3:30-5:30 p.m. (pick-up dinner), 6-9 p.m. (online event)
$25 per dinner
Order deadline: Dec. 11
Multiple pick-up times available
$15 per dinner
Free delivery for homebound seniors in Edmonton
Dec. 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
$5 per lunch
Order deadline: Dec. 17
For isolated and homebound older Edmontonians in need, Edmonton Meals on Wheels is providing free turkey dinners through their No Senior Forgotten campaign. Seniors who want to get on Santa’s list can call 780-429-2020 or email [email protected].
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RECOVERY COLLEGE: REGISTER FOR WINTER SESSION TODAY!
CMHA-Edmonton
January-March 2021
Online
Free
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Register Now for the winter sessions of CMHA Edmonton’s Recovery College. Get access to interactive classes on a wide variety of topics, including healthy relationships, boundaries, anxiety, developing self-compassion, stress management, and more. Both single session classes and multi-week courses are available. All courses are held on Zoom, so you can join from the safety and comfort of your own home. Each class is run by two trained facilitators, and open to anyone who wants to improve their mental wellness. Register online or by calling 211.
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VIRTUAL CHOIR
Southwest Seniors’ Outreach Society
Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m.
Free
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Got the winter blues? Lift your spirits through song! Join a virtual choir and belt out some of your favourite tunes, alongside other music lovers. Sessions take place on Zoom. Email Linda at [email protected] or call 780 435-9515 for more details.
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THE SECRET HISTORY OF CHANNUKAH
Jewish Seniors Citizens Centre
Dec. 14, 11:30 a.m.
Free
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Channukah means ‘dedication’. This holiday celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second centuries, during which the Jewish people rose up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors. In this history special, Rabbi Claman will be sharing the secret history of the holiday.
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CANDY CANE LANE
Dec. 11 to Jan. 1
148 Street between 92 Avenue and 100 Avenue
Free
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The Edmonton Christmas tradition Candy Cane Lane will look a little bit different this year. Organizers are requesting you opt to drive through this year rather than walk the lane, in order to accommodate social distancing rules. But, the magic of the lights along the lane won’t be lost in your vehicle. Donations to Edmonton’s Food Bank are welcome.
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DOG CARE SUPPORT AND COMPANIONSHIP FOR OLDER ADULTS
Elderdog
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Elderdog offers programs to support the human-animal bond, including its Dog Care Support for Seniors program. Volunteers provide a range of assistance to older adults in caring for their canine companion, including helping with an animal’s feeding and hygiene, transportation to the vet or groomer, and even temporary care during hospitalization. Elderdog also aims to, where possible, re-home older dogs with older people who want the loving companionship of an older dog.
Please note: this is a national website for Elderdog.
The Edmonton chapter can be contacted via:
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(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
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LAST CHANCE TO DONATE:
HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE
Edmonton Meals on Wheels
Donation Deadline: Dec. 11
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Help spread holiday cheer by donating a gift to Edmonton Meals on Wheels’ gift drive. Recipients of the program include homebound and isolated older Edmontonians in need. Still want to help but missed the deadline? You can also contribute to Edmonton Meals on Wheels’ No Senior Forgotten campaign, which is providing nutritious and delicious turkey dinners to Edmonton senior this holiday season. To raise funds for the campaign, Edmonton Meals on Wheels is raffling off a mini fridge, including 24 bottles of wine.
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VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED
Drive Happiness
Ongoing
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Drive Happiness needs volunteer drivers! With the arrival of winter, many seniors will need an extra hand getting to appointments and the grocery store. This opportunity is flexible with your schedule as you can pick the day, time, area, and how often you volunteer. You even receive a gas reimbursement! Volunteers must have a Class 5 driver's license, a clean drivers abstract, and a clear police check. To volunteer, complete the online form or call 780-424-5438.
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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY'S RESTORE NEEDS YOUR HELP
Habitat for Humanity
Ongoing
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ReStore is a volunteer-powered social enterprise of Habitat for Humanity. All proceeds help local families find affordable home ownership.
ReStore is looking for volunteers who:
- Want to give back to their community
- Love working with people
- Are interested in working in a retail-warehouse type environment
ReStore offers flexible, half and full day volunteer shifts. Contact Monica for more information at [email protected] or 780-451-3416 ext. 222.
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(links to the Volunteer and Work Opportunities web page)
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MORE INFORMATION
Link Letter includes new items biweekly. 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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