Energizing Life

Caregiving Matters is producing a virtual project aimed at improving the physical and emotional safety of vulnerable rural and isolated seniors. The project will educate and engage 1,200 seniors to make their lives physically and emotionally safer, during and after the pandemic. It focuses on 4 safety cornerstones:

1. Elder abuse prevention, identity theft, Internet and password safety. Learning how to recognize, stop and report potential abuses.

2. Safe aging in place: Encouraging safe and healthy aging in place, including topics such as: Improving home safety, modifications, decreasing hoarding, fall prevention and more.

3. Safety in the community: Educating on a variety of safety tips for pedestrians and drivers.

4. Safety technologies: Educating on new safety technologies available, such as security cameras, emergency medical alert buttons, electronic pill reminders, and more.

Learn more: www.caregivingmatters.ca.

The Children’s Safety Village of Windsor and Essex is collaborating with first responders and community partners to deliver their specifically tailored programs virtually. During these challenging times, there is an important need in addressing key safety risks that have been elevated due to the pandemic. This programming will help minimize the effects of the pandemic by empowering the most vulnerable communities.

The curriculum is delivered to children from junior kindergarten to grade 5 and includes topics such as: Safety rules, fire safety and hazards, bike safety, emergency preparedness kits, and familiarizing children with emergency services and personnel.

Learn more: www.thesafetyvillage.com.

The City of Dryden is creating a universal, barrier-free change space with the required supports so that all residents feel welcome and comfortable when visiting the Dryden Pool and Fitness Centre. Respecting everyone’s right to choose the change space and washroom that is appropriate for them, this will be a safe, accessible and inclusive area.

The Dryden Pool and Fitness Centre was built and opened in 1981. Like many facilities of that era, little consideration was offered in terms of accessibility or trans or gender neutral individuals. As a result, the City of Dryden and its community services department has made a commitment to renovate or create spaces so all residents can maintain healthy lifestyles.

Learn more: www.dryden.ca.

The COVID-19 Street Project was inspired as a result of many partner agencies needing to completely shut down or dramatically reduce their services. A unique opportunity presented itself as there was a surplus of food available, a delivery network, and a small army of well-trained volunteers.

To make a difference in the lives of those most affected by the pandemic, Lion Hearts Inc. has set up multiple locations throughout Kingston and Loyalist Township to offer much needed supplies. Through their innovative and safe system, community members can access: Take home meal options, grab-and-go snacks, fresh fruit, vegetables, pastries/fresh bread, hot chocolate/cold lemonade, bottled water, warm clothing, blankets, personal hygiene kits/toiletries, fresh socks, and a point of entry to access other required emergency services through referrals.

As of March 2021, over 257,000 meal packages and counting have been served.

Learn more: www.lionhearts.ca.

The “Let’s Move Municipality of Tweed” project promotes healthier, active lifestyles to individuals and families. According to the World Health Organization, children need 60 minutes of physical activity daily, while adults and seniors should enjoy a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity daily. COVID-19 has isolated many of our residents. We believe this project will get residents out to be active but most importantly to be in a social setting where residents can once again see one another and meet new people. The project will remove social exclusion by also integrating programming for all ages.

Part of the project will include enhancements to the Tweed Recreation Area’s trail. Current safety issues include the need for new access points. The new walking path will have rest areas, benches and a loop around to promote outdoor activity.

Learn more: https://tweed.ca.

Simcoe Early Education and Development Services (S.E.E.D.S) has been providing childcare services to the families of Barrie and area for over forty-five years. S.E.E.D.S Childcare has been a pioneer in providing innovative programs based on the most current and relevant research.

In 2000, S.E.E.D.S Childcare shifted to providing Emergent Learning inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. This approach allows for planning environments and experiences that are based on children’s interests and supported with the foundations of belonging, expression, engagement and well-being. S.E.E.D.S is able to learn with children as their curiosities emerge.

Learn more: http://seedschildcare.ca.