We Want to Hear Your Ideas for Supporting Seniors
The pandemic is making things difficult for many of us, especially seniors. So far, we've heard some great tips for keeping seniors connected, including making phone calls, visiting from a distance, having a Zoom video call and more. One senior we've spoken to is currently reading books to another senior via telephone. His telephone reading program is a great idea for reducing loneliness during this time. If you have ideas for supporting seniors during the pandemic, share them with us at
info@seniorscouncil.net.
No Senior Forgotten Holiday Campaign
Let a local senior know you’re thinking about them this holiday season with Edmonton Meals on Wheels’
No Senior Forgotten campaign. Your $25 donation will be used to buy a delicious turkey dinner delivered to all Meals on Wheels’ clients on Christmas Day. Additionally, a holiday gift drive is currently underway to collect gifts to accompany the turkey dinners.
Stocking Stuffers for Seniors
Spread a little joy! This
campaign by London Drugs has a mission to bring more holiday cheer to seniors across the country. Donated items don’t need to be purchased from a London Drugs store—any new, non-gift wrapped item is accepted. London Drugs has COVID-19 precautions in place to ensure everyone’s safety. You can learn more about how to participate in this year’s Stocking Stuffers for Seniors campaign on the London Drugs website.
Send Positive Messages to Seniors
Some Edmonton organizations have organized message-writing campaigns during COVID-19. Sending a thoughtful message of positivity is a great way to show a senior that you're thinking of them during this difficult time.
- CapitalCare Foundation: Send a postcard with a custom message to a resident at CapitalCare Centres.
- The Good Samaritan Society: Email a note to a local senior, or have your kids or grandkids draw a picture to brighten their day. Send your message to mission@gss.org. Messages will be printed and shared with residents at Good Samaritan Residences around Edmonton.
Seniors COVID-19 Pandemic and Exercise (SCOPE) Trial
University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria
Physical distancing has disrupted our typical activities for taking care of our well-being and health. This research project is investigating if different types of exercise programs, provided free to participants, significantly improve the well-being and health of older adults (aged 65 years or older) currently living in Canada. Explore fun, new ways to exercise and assist with critical research benefitting the health of older adults. It’s a win-win!
Research Participants Wanted: Reasons for Limiting Sitting Time from the Perspective of Older Adults
University of Lethbridge, Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Older adults 65 years and older are invited to participate in a study investigating why older adults choose to reduce daily sitting time. Individuals of all fitness levels are encouraged to participate. The survey takes 30-45 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary and confidential. In appreciation for your time spent completing this survey, each participant will be entered into a draw for one of four $25 VISA gift cards. For more information, email PALS@uleth.ca or call 403-332-5207.
AlbertaCaresConnector
VolunteerConnector and the Government of Alberta have teamed up to offer
AlbertaCaresConnector. Albertans seeking to lend their skills and talents during the pandemic can find opportunities posted to this site.
Step into Action: Volunteer with Edmonton Meals on Wheels
Volunteering with Edmonton Meals on Wheels offers big rewards for both clients and volunteers for a minimal time commitment. Volunteer drivers help thousands of Edmontonians every year with a time commitment of only 2.5 hours once or twice a week. Other ongoing volunteer opportunities include helping in the kitchen, office, and at special events. If you have a passion to help and some extra time to give, Edmonton Meals on Wheels would love to hear from you. For details about volunteer opportunities, visit
www.mealsonwheelsedmonton.org or call 780-429-2020. Sign up today!
Volunteer Drivers
Drive Happiness Seniors Association
Looking to volunteer? Want to make your own schedule? Why not help us Drive Happiness? For 20 years, Drive Happiness has provided assisted transportation services to seniors by pairing them with volunteer drivers.
Volunteering with Drive Happiness is extremely flexible and offers a gas reimbursement. You can make your own schedule and help get seniors where they need to go.
Volunteers require a class 5 driver’s license, a clean driver abstract, and must be willing to provide a vulnerable sector police check.
Make a difference in a senior's life - volunteer for Drive Happiness today. Call 780-424-5438 or go online at drivehappiness.ca/volunteer to download an application form.
Virtual Vision Mate Program
The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)'s Vision Mate Program provides one-on-one sighted volunteer assistance to people who are blind or partially sighted. Volunteers are paired for friendly visiting. Currently, the program has migrated to a remote set up due to COVID-19 with visits taking place over the phone. If you're friendly, positive, empathetic, responsible, and comfortable working with individuals with vision loss, this might be the opportunity for you! For more information, complete the online
volunteer application form or email
absvolunteers@cnib.ca.
Research Study: Survey on Accessibility in Canada
Attention caregivers and adults aged 65+! Lend your expertise to an accessibility study, which seeks to understand the main barriers to accessibility encountered by Canadians, how these barriers affect quality of life, and if these barriers are being addressed by existing Canadian legislation. Participants can complete the survey online, by telephone, or by mail. Paper forms are available in both 12 pt. and 16 pt. font for improved accessibility. For more information, contact KITE Research Associate, Sin-Tung Lau, at 416-597-3422 ext. 7878 or by email at
sin-tung.lau@uhn.ca.
Study Participants Wanted: Under-Reporting in Abuse of Older Adults in the Prairie Provinces
Are you an older adult who has experienced some form of abuse, potentially including serious harm, disrespect, or assault? The University of Calgary is seeking feedback from older adults 55+ on this issue. Study participants will be interviewed in a comfortable setting of their choosing. Participation in this study is completely voluntary and confidential. An honorarium of $25 will be provided to study participants. If you are interested in participating in this study or have any questions, contact Carla Liepert at the University of Calgary, at
carla.liepert@ucalgary.ca or 780-232-1285.
