Southern Frontenac Community Services Joins #GivingTuesdayNow as part of COVID-19 Emergency Response

Apr 29, 2020

#GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 – in addition to the regularly scheduled Dec 1, 2020 #GivingTuesday – as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.

Southern Frontenac Community Services Corporation (SFCSC) will join the #GivingTuesdayNow movement to share the impact of COVID-19 on operations and celebrate the support and generosity of volunteers, donors, community partners and friends.

Throughout this pandemic SFCSC has adapted programs and services to support seniors, families and some of the most vulnerable people in the community. With the priority to safeguard the health and wellbeing of clients, volunteers and staff, some activities have been suspended until further notice. At the same time the demand for other services increased, and new programs emerged to address some of the unique needs at this time.

Since the pandemic began SFCSC Food Services, including the Community Food Bank and Meals on Wheels, has seen a significant increase in the number of people needing assistance. Currently these food security supports are available to any residents in South Frontenac who may need help.

In April more than 550 meals were delivered through Meals on Wheels. Last April that number was less than 300.

Since the beginning of March the number of Food Bank users has increased by 70% with all indications pointing to continued growth in the number of people needing help.

A new service that SFCSC started in response to current self-isolation protocols is the Telephone Reassurance Program. Currently 235 clients get check-in calls on a regular basis to ensure seniors have everything they need in addition to giving them a friendly voice to talk to.

So far over 50 volunteers have stepped forward with offers to help SFCSC with 40% of them being new volunteers for SFCSC. All are working to deliver essential community health support services to some of the most vulnerable people in South Frontenac.

There are many ways to support SFCSC on #GivingTuesdayNow and be a part of the efforts to help people and families in our community who need support and assistance during this unprecedented health crisis.

Donations are gratefully accepted and can be made online at sfcsc.ca/donate or mail cheques to
SFCSC, 4295 Stage Coach Rd. Box 43, Sydenham, ON K0H 2T0

Gifts to Food Services help support the Community Food Bank and supply meals to seniors and those in need.

Gifts to Seniors Services help to provide resources and subsidies for programs including transportation services for medically necessary appointments, essential deliveries of food or prescriptions, and home maintenance for special needs.

Donations of non-perishable food items for the Food Bank are always appreciated. Visit sfcsc.ca/food-bank-more-info to view the most needed food items.

Southern Frontenac Community Services, www.sfcsc.ca, (613) 376-6477, 4295 Stage Coach Rd., Sydenham