Debra McGonegal, Fund and Volunteer Development Manager

One group of SCHC heroes provides care to isolated seniors in two Toronto Community Housing buildings in Scarborough. The Assisted Living Team aren’t donning capes during this health crisis, but gloves and masks to make sure those seniors continue to get the services they need. Whether that be cooking a meal, disinfecting their homes, ensuring they have their medications or simply being that friendly face and voice to reassure them they are not alone. “This is such a dedicated group of personal support workers. They all understand how their role is even more critical during this time. Despite this challenging environment and additional responsibility because of Covid-19, most of them couldn’t imagine not continue to provide care”, states Christine Hewitt, Manager of Community Supports.
Marie-Josee Lafountain, Principal and Acting Executive Director of SSR commented that, “Love-in-a-Box gave the residents a great sense of purpose. They all joined in on fundraising, purchasing of items like puzzles, games, food, personal products and carefully putting together their box of love. They donned masks and gloves and observed physical distancing to ensure their safety and the health of the recipients. They loved doing this!”
Partnerships in projects like this demonstrate the power of community coming together. Josee commented, “I hope that organizations and people who have broken out of their silos in order to help during this health crisis continue with their good work once the pandemic is declared over. We’re all so much more effective when we work together”.