SENIORS
Seniors Social Meetup Program
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, iHelp launched the Seniors Food Distribution and Support Program to ensure that vulnerable seniors had access to essential resources. Partnering with the Canadian Red Cross, we distributed food to over 1,000 seniors when many services and shops were closed.
Our team created culturally appropriate food packages by sourcing items from local cultural shops, supporting local businesses and catering to diverse dietary needs. This included providing halal meat for Muslim seniors and other culturally specific foods. We worked closely with amazing community volunteers to ensure these packages were delivered directly to seniors’ homes.
Despite the challenges and closures faced by many non-profits, iHelp remained operational. Our dedicated volunteers not only delivered food but also engaged seniors in conversation during their visits in a safe and respective manner. These interactions were crucial in reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation during the pandemic.
Through this program, iHelp demonstrated its commitment to supporting the senior community by providing both essential resources and social interaction during an unprecedented time.
Seniors Food Distribution and Support Program
The Seniors Social Meetup Program was launched by iHelp to address the high levels of isolation and loneliness experienced by seniors, especially after the onset of COVID-19. Our aim was to help seniors reconnect with their community and improve their mental well-being through regular social gatherings.
We organized gatherings at various public locations such as coffee shops, malls, parks, and our own offices, providing a comfortable and welcoming environment for socializing. Each meetup group consisted of 5-15 seniors, ensuring an engaging atmosphere.
Each session was facilitated by a trained professional from iHelp, who initiated conversations and guided discussions. In addition to socializing, these meetups provided an opportunity to share valuable information on topics that became increasingly important following COVID-19. We covered essential subjects such as avoiding online fraud and scams, recognizing and preventing elder abuse, and understanding the effects of mental health issues along with methods to cope with them.
These meetups helped seniors get out of their homes and reconnect with others, while also providing essential knowledge to protect themselves and maintain their mental health.
