“Aging Strong: Respect and Protect Seniors” is theme for Seniors’ Month in Ontario, 2019.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines respect as, “politeness, honour, and care shown towards someone or something that is considered important.” Protect is defined as to keep safe from injury, damage or loss, as well as to shelter and preserve.
At Kemptville & District Home Support, this philosophy underlies all of our services. One of these services is Escorted Transportation. Drives are provided for medical appointments both locally and long-distance, as well local trips for groceries, the bank, post office etc. This service also accompanies clients to their destination within the hospitals, and if parking is an issue, there are companion volunteers who can accompany the clients. These medical appointments typically also include a stop at the pharmacist and periodically a stop for a few groceries. There are 6 reception volunteers who, along with staff, arrange the drives.
This past year 4,278 drives were provided to 261 individuals. The clients are driven by volunteers; currently there are 36 volunteer drivers on our Team. In the past 6 years, KDHSI’s transportation service has more than doubled. Beyond Ministry of Health, United Way funding and service fees, we have to raise almost $30,000 to continue with this exponential growth.
In February we made a presentation to the Municipality of North Grenville Council requesting funds to support KDHSI’s Escorted Transportation service for seniors and adults with physical disabilities. The entire Council and Municipal staff recognize the value of this service; and, we are very pleased to announce that we received the $12,500 that was requested. It is very fitting that we received the cheque at the start of Seniors’ Month!
We have had a great start to the year financially, and need to keep up the momentum to raise the remaining $50,000 in order to continue with all of the important services here at Kemptville & District Home Support. KDHSI’s ‘Window Sticker’ fundraising campaign started in June. This is where cashiers at local stores will be asking customers if they would like to donate $2 to Kemptville & District Home Support. ‘B&H Your Community Grocer’ jumped on board. Kemptville Canadian Tire will be participating in the campaign in July. We will keep you posted about the other stores that will be participating. Thank you to the local stores, their staff and their customers!
KDHSI’s Annual Seniors’ BBQ/Picnic will take place Wednesday June 26 at the beautiful Maplewood hall and grounds in Oxford Mills. This is an excellent opportunity for people to relax and enjoy each other’s company. The Lions Club, along with Mel Benton and Don Watkins, will entertain us with music. And, for the food…The Kemptville Lions Club will be providing the delicious BBQ and Grenville Mutual Insurance Company will be providing the homemade butter tarts. There is no cost for this event, however we do need the number of people attending to arrange for the food. If you are planning on attending, please give us a call by June 21, and also please let us know if you require a drive.
Robert Louise Stevenson reminds us to, “Take care of each other.”
Until next time, Susan
Susan Smith, Executive Director Kemptville & District Home Support
susan.smith@kdhsi.com
215 Sanders St. Suite 101
613-258-3203
