Espanola added to United Way’s Keeping Seniors Warm program
Even though autumn is just beginning, the United Way Centraide North East Ontario is already thinking about winter.
The organization has started accepting applications for its Keeping Seniors Warm program. It helps provide winter attire for vulnerable seniors.
The program is meant for those aged 55 or older who are living on a low income. Those accepted into the program will be taken to shop for a coat, boots and other winter attire at Giant Tiger.
The United Way took over the program in Sudbury two years ago, but the idea has been around the Nickel City for about 10.
It started in 2014 as a volunteer-driven program in partnership between the Senior’s Advisory Panel at the City of Greater Sudbury and the Donovan/Elm West Community Action Networks.
The program expanded to North Bay and Timmins in late 2023. Due to a need in the community, Espanola was added this year.
"We want to ensure we are expanding and reaching seniors wherever they are and going to them, so they don’t have to travel such a long distance," said Jelise Keating, programs and philanthropy manager.
United Way Centraide North East Ontario has started accepting applications for its Keeping Seniors Warm program. It helps provide winter attire for vulnerable seniors. (Photo from video)
Keating said that the shopping trip is usually very heart-warming.
"We have a lot of volunteers that come out to help seniors shop for their goods," she said.
"The atmosphere is just peaceful, you can see all the joy, you can see the warmth as people come together and really share the meaning of community."
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
The United Way is now accepting applications for this year. One-hundred seniors will be part of the program in Sudbury, 20 in North Bay, 20 in Timmins and another 20 in Espanola.
The deadline for applications is Oct. 14 or whenever the spots are filled for each community. Anyone who participated in the program in the past two years is not eligible.
The United Way is also accepting donations of hygiene products and knitted items like hats, mitts and blankets for the seniors.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian team told Trump's tariffs unavoidable right now, but solutions on the table in surprise Mar-a-Lago meeting
During a surprise dinner at Mar-a-Lago, representatives of the federal government were told U.S. tariffs from the incoming Donald Trump administration cannot be avoided in the immediate term, two government sources tell CTV News.
Pedestrian killed by Via Rail train near Kingston, Ont.
Regular rail traffic has resumed with severe delays.
Muskoka reacts to major snowfall, hundreds stuck on Highway 11
From road closures, power outages, weather declarations and nonstop shovelling, Muskoka residents were faced with nearly a metre of persistent snowfall on Saturday.
Saskatoon priest accused of sexual assault says he meant to encourage young girl with hug and kiss
A Saskatoon priest accused of sexual assault says he meant to encourage and reassure a young girl when he hugged and kissed during his testimony at Saskatoon Provincial Court Friday.
Beef prices reach record highs in Canada
The cost of beef continues to rise, reaching record highs on grocery store shelves ahead of the busiest time for many grocers and butchers before the holiday season.
Trump threatens 100% tariff on the BRIC bloc of nations if they act to undermine U.S. dollar
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump on Saturday threatened 100 per cent tariffs against a bloc of nine nations if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar.
Bob Bryar, drummer for rock band My Chemical Romance, dead at 44
Bob Bryar, former drummer for the band My Chemical Romance, has died. He was reportedly 44.
Toronto man accused of posing as surgeon, giving four women injections
A 29-year-old Toronto man has been charged after allegedly posing as a surgeon and providing cosmetic procedures on several women.
'Disappointing': Toronto speed camera cut down less than 24 hours after being reinstalled
A Toronto speed camera notorious for issuing tens of thousands of tickets to drivers has been cut down again less than 24 hours after it was reinstalled.