In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic.
For those in our community who already face barriers like poverty, social isolation, food insecurity and homelessness, help is needed now more than ever.
In order to help those who need it most, we need your support. It’s this support that will ensure the resources that our communities need will be there when they need them.
Everyone has an important role to play.
Federal Funding to Assist Seniors
On Sunday March 29, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which included funding for United Way Canada to support vulnerable seniors. Canada’s seniors are at the greatest risk of poor health outcomes due to COVID-19, and the social isolation and poverty that too many of this population faces increases that risk even more.
United Way Centraide Canada is working with the Federal Government over the coming weeks to establish the distribution of the newly announced funding for senior residents of our communities who face increased physical and mental health risks during the COVID-19 crisis. This new fund will be used to support services that assist vulnerable and isolated seniors. We will update our COVID-19 Resources page as more information becomes available.
Together, we can help the most vulnerable in our communities.
We will get through this together
We know that many people in our communities cannot afford to adequately prepare for how COVID-19 is affecting their families. Many do not have supports to effectively self-isolate. Those who already face barriers put up by poverty need even more help during this time of uncertainty. The needs will continue to evolve. But, as you protect your family and those closest to you to keep them healthy, we urge you to think of those who may need the help of their neighbours.
Together, we can keep our communities strong.
A message from our CEO
United Way Simcoe Muskoka has taken and continues to take steps to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, all while striving to meet the needs of Simcoe Muskoka residents. Click here to read a message from our CEO, Dale Biddell, about this pandemic and how UWSM will continue to support the communities of Simcoe Muskoka during this difficult time.
Together, we can make a difference.
When you give to United Way Simcoe Muskoka, you help provide basic needs for local residents
