Blog – 100 + Women Who Care Durham Region

Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-West Durham

April 29, 2020

by JDempsey with No Comment Uncategorised

Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-West Durham

The Covid-19 pandemic hit our community right as our peak fundraising season was to start up. BBBS was negatively impacted by the cancellation of our Annual Signature Bowl for Kids’ Sake event, closure of our Social Enterprise and postponement of third party events. As a result, BBBS staff experienced layoffs and hours were reduced for remaining staff.

As a result of Covid-19 Pandemic, Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-West Durham (BBBS) stopped all in-person individual and group mentorship service delivery as of March 16^th, in adherence with government and public health guidelines. As a result over 1,000 children and youth temporarily stopped receiving vital mentorship services which support their social, emotional, mental and physical health and well-being.

Since program stoppage in March, we mobilized our staff and mentors to develop and deliver virtual individual and group programming. We are also working on virtual fundraising events in support of our current programming.

BBBS is most in need of financial donations to support children and youth to receive the mentorship services they need most. BBBS works with low overhead costs, as our staff work from home to ensure our fundraising dollars go directly to children. Children in our programs come from diverse backgrounds and are living in low-income high priority neighbourhoods, experiencing mental health issues, developmental disabilities, isolation, violence/abuse, family breakdown, etc.

We are actively seeking funds to support two initiatives: Future Zone (an online group mentorship program for youth 12-16 which focuses on fostering positive mental and emotional health and engaging in fun physical activity) and Virtual Mentoring (our online 1-1 mentorship program for children/youth to meet with a positive and caring adult). We intend to run these two programs until December 2020 (or longer as deemed necessary by government and health officials).

Melanie Stewart
Executive Director
Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-West Durham
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northumberland

Ajax 905-831-3777 | Cobourg 289-252-1828 or Toll Free 1-888-278-2484

https://swdurham.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/

https://northumberland.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

SafeHope Home

April 29, 2020

by JDempsey with No Comment Uncategorised

SafeHope Home

During these trying times, SafeHope Home continues to support all of our participants both in our residential/day program and our outreach program. However, this would not be possible without the support from our community. We offer the option for supporters to make a one-time donation or become a monthly donor on our website www.safehopehome.com. Any monetary donations go directly to the young women we support and the home that they reside in.

For those who are unable to give financially, we are also looking for items such as:

puzzles
crafts
games

Items that would assist in keeping the young women entertained while being stuck at home.

Due to the current covid-19 situation, many of our outreach participants are in dire need of support as well. Donations of grocery cards or gift cards to places like Walmart and Shoppers Drug Mart would be a huge help to them. We also accept donations of new clothing for those in our outreach program who may not otherwise have access to new clothes.

Another way the community can help is to continue spreading the word of SafeHope Home in our community. Awareness is so unbelievably important in putting an end to human trafficking.

Thank you so much for all of your support!

Kate Moore
Manager of Community Engagement
SafeHope Home
Box 368, 15-75 Bayly St. W
Ajax, Ontario L1S7K7
(365) 885-1986 cell
(905) 404-2298 ext. 224

Epilepsy Durham Region

April 29, 2020

by JDempsey with No Comment Uncategorised

Epilepsy Durham Region

I confess, COVID-19 is crushing us, so many of our vulnerable folks need us desperately. I just attended a survey review by the Ontario NFP Network who reports dire stats with regards to our sector. I’m watching our sector being decimated by complete loss of funding.

Epilepsy Durham Region (EDR) is an innovative, progressive charitable organization dedicated to fostering a safe and healthy community by enhancing and supporting the well-being of adults, children, youth, and families affected by epilepsy. As a registered non-profit, EDR provides tailored support to strengthen clients’ ability to manage the physical, psychological, and social effects of epilepsy, with extensive expertise in system navigation, advocacy, and mental health concerns.

Epilepsy Quick Facts:

1 in 100 people have epilepsy; of those 1 in 1000 will lose their life to a seizure, or 1 in 150 if seizures are uncontrolled
When access to appropriate care is available, people with epilepsy are 51% less likely to die as a result of a seizure – EDR’s clinic allows people to access specialized care locally

COVID-19 has changed the face of normal, particularly those living with a chronic illness. Currently, it has impacted how individuals receive life-saving medications, and how they can access both critical and primary care.

Epilepsy Durham Region, like many charities, has been impacted significantly by the current pandemic; we are volunteer and fundraising event driven, and we receive neither government or United Way funding to support the programs utilized by so many. We have lost all sources of our revenue, and not unlike so many others, we have had no income since the state of emergency has been declared. Our expenses have remained the same, the request for help from our community has increased, and we have not reduced our staff hours nor laid off our staff. While this crisis has compounding effects on our ability to continue to offer service, EDR is balancing how to best provide remote service to our clients while also aggressively working towards sustaining operation.

If you are considering being a donor to our agency, please know that your kindness is helping to maintain a viable business model. If this is a new introduction to EDR, please consider donating to ensure we can continue to help families in desperate need by contributing to one of the many programs that help to keep a family whole. Please visit: https://bit.ly/2wQp9rq

Remember, your support helps to impact the lives of:

Aydin – https://bit.ly/2VPH75F

Ava – https://bit.ly/2yxyrJv

Abi – https://bit.ly/2xOLR3x

…and so many more

Thank you for taking the time to read through this and for all that you and the 100 Women APW do to make a positive impact in our community. More than ever, sharing our struggles and celebrating our successes is so important for all us.

Dianne McKenzie, CEO

Epilepsy Durham Region

310 Byron Street South Unit 3

Whitby, ON L1N 4P8 | 905-922-5809

www.epilepsydurham.com

Durham Outlook – operating St. Vincent Pallotti’s Kitchen

April 28, 2020

by JDempsey with No Comment Uncategorised

Durham Outlook – operating St. Vincent Pallotti’s Kitchen

Dear Friend of DOFN,

As a supporter of Durham Outlook for the Needy, you are most likely aware of the organization’s current need of monetary support for the new building and day-to-day operating costs. Although our kitchen and store are closed at this time, fundraising efforts remain necessary as our food pick-up and distribution program remains operating. Two major sources of fundraising have been postponed this Spring due to the pandemic. Therefore, it is important for our community and those we serve to continue to support DOFN.

DOFN’s food pick-up and distribution program remains in operation during COVID-19, as it is essential for DOFN to support the organizations who remain open to ensure our patrons are getting food, essential needs and support during these hard times.

On a daily basis, a team of volunteer drivers pick up food and other dry goods from corporations, institutions and individuals for our use, as well as for other food banks, charities, and groups, including schools, who offer breakfast and lunch programs for students in need, in the Durham Region. Durham Outlook for the Needy helps over 50 organizations on a monthly basis.

Valerie Moreton

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & FUNDRAISING

51 KING ST. E., OSHAWA, ON L1H 1B4

T (905) 434-7543 | F (905) 434-5135 | W durhamoutlook.com

Alzheimer Durham

April 28, 2020

by JDempsey with No Comment Uncategorised

Alzheimer Durham

Thank you for this opportunity to let you know what we are doing in your community…and the great need we are trying to meet during this pandemic.

Long before “social distancing” was a part of our daily vocabulary, those facing dementia knew exactly what it meant. So many people living with dementia have felt isolated from friends, families and communities and especially so during this health crisis. The Alzheimer Society of Durham Region has been a lifeline for people living with dementia as a way to get support, connect and learn—something that is vital in their quest to live the best life possible.

COVID-19 won’t stop us. Since our communities have had to isolate to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Alzheimer Society has been hard at work to ensure our essential programs and supports remain in place. Specifically, we are working tirelessly to move our face-to-face interactions with clients to a digital platform. Our family support team is reaching out to clients by phone and video chat, as well as offering support groups, educational workshops and social & recreation programs by Zoom or the website.

As well, we are putting together “activity boxes” that include memory games, small exercise equipment, deck of cards, food guide & recipes, information and resources, etc. These will be delivered to our most vulnerable population – those isolated with limited family support. This is where you come in…your financial support will help us support those in Durham Region where your membership has invested so much time and effort. At a cost of $30/box and with a target of 200 clients, our immediate need is $6,000.

Contact me should you need more information on supporting our efforts in Durham Region. People with dementia and their care partners thank you!

Nada Loughead -Partnership Development Officer

nloughead@alzheimerdurham.com

1600 Stellar Dr (formerly Champlain Ave), Suite 202

Whitby, ON L1N 9B2

Phone: 905-576-2567 ext 5226 Toll Free: 1-888-301-1106

Hearth Place

April 28, 2020

by JDempsey with No Comment Uncategorised

Hearth Place

Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre, located at 86 Colborne Street West, Oshawa, has been supporting families living with cancer for the past 23 years in the Durham Region and beyond.

We offer a variety of individual and group programs for all members of the family. As we experience this pandemic our need for service continues to grow for the vulnerable population that we serve. In the month of April, we held 7 online support groups and supported 83 people through telephone support. In May we will increase our programming to include 13 online programs. Sadly, cancer diagnoses and the need for emotional support does not stop during a pandemic. In Fact, the need is heightened.

All our programs and services are provided free of charge, to ensure that anyone impacted by cancer can be supported. We strive to offer a variety of wellness and emotional support programs as well as seminars and workshops, bereavement support and support for families, children and caregivers.

Hearth Place receives no government funding. We operate solely on donations, sponsorship and our six signature fundraising events that we hold each year.

This year, like many other charities, we have lost significant income due to the cancellation of three of our major fundraising events and many of our third-party fundraisers.

Individual donations are down, as our donors are experiencing financial struggles as well. Our summer fundraisers are currently on hold, and this significant loss of income has a major impact on our services.

We are getting creative and learning new ways to reach our members and support their needs, while continuing to keep everyone safe. With cancer diagnoses in the region continually rising, so does the need for the services offered by Hearth Place.

For further information about Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre, the services that we provide or what you can do to help us continue to support our community please contact:

Debbie Dawson
Fundraising and Community Engagement
debbie@hearthplace.org or 905-260-4599

Bethesda House

April 24, 2020

by JDempsey with No Comment Uncategorised

Bethesda House

A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUR “VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN” (VAW) SHELTERS IN DURHAM REGION

During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the essential services of the four “Violence Against Women” (VAW) shelters in Durham Region are open to support women with and without children who are experiencing violence and abuse. We manage our bed counts and capacity issues daily and the availability of beds can change frequently. We do not want the fear that a bed might not be available to stop a woman from reaching out to us for the specialized support we can provide. Our trained and experienced counselors are ready to take their calls 24/7, helping them identify their options and resources. Women can reach us at…

The Denise House 905-728-7311 or 1 – 800 -263- 725
Y’sWISH 905 576 2997 or 1–888 – 576-2997
Herizon House 905-426-1064 or 1-866–437-4066
Bethesda House 905-623-6045 or 1-800 –338-3397

Salvation Army Ajax | Pickering | Uxbridge

April 24, 2020

by JDempsey with No Comment Uncategorised

Salvation Army Ajax | Pickering | Uxbridge

Our Community Services programs exist to provide a safe place for those in the Ajax and Pickering communities to access emergency food and other assistance, receive a hot meal and engage in the many programs and services offered by TSAHope. For more information, including partnerships and donations, please call our Community Services Coordinator, James Dark at 905-427-7123 or email: communityservices@tsahope

All Community and Family Services programs currently operate from 122 Hunt Street in Ajax.

Hours of Operation:

Monday through Thursday

10am – 12pm and 1pm – 3pm

* We close for lunch on Mon & Wed from 12noon-1pm for our staff & volunteers’ lunch break.

* Our FREE Community Meals program operates Tues & Thurs 12noon – 1pm

Emergency Food, Clothing & Furniture

We offer the following services based on income and situation to residents of Ajax, Pickering and Uxbridge: food bank, clothing and/or furniture vouchers from Ajax or Pickering Salvation Army Thrift Stores, Christmas food and toy assistance, and referrals to our Client Advocacy program or other services in the Durham Region.

Community Meals Lunch Program

Our FREE bi-weekly Community Meal is available for our community friends in need and take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12noon until 1pm at 122 Hunt St in Ajax.

Volunteer Opportunities

We rely on hundreds of volunteers annually to help us continue giving HOPE to friends in need in our community. To volunteer Monday through Thursday at any of our community services programs please call 905-427-7123 or email volunteers@tsahope.com. We will contact you if an opportunity is available.

Donations

Monetary donations can be made online or by mail addressed to: The Salvation Army, 122 Hunt St, Ajax, ON. Please make your cheque payable to “The Salvation Army Ajax Pickering or Uxbridge” We appreciation your generosity and kind support.

Perishable, non-perishable and monetary donations can be made at our offices at 122 Hunt St in Ajax during regular business hours from Monday through Thursday. Non-perishable food can also be donated at one of our many donation bins located at grocery and department stores throughout Ajax ans Pickering. For large quantities of donations, please call 905-427-7123 to arrange pick-up.

Food Donation Bin Locations:

Steve’s & Amanda’s No Frills @ Bayly St

No Frills @ Westney Rd N

Food Basics @ Harwood/Hunt

Food Basics @ Westney/Mcgill

Giant Tiger @ Westney Rd S

Metro @ Taunton/Salem

SuperCentre @ Kingston Rd

Herizon House

April 24, 2020

by JDempsey with No Comment Uncategorised

Herizon House

All in kind donations are suspended they don’t have the resources (including staff or volunteers) to sanitize items as they come In.

They are however still accepting monetary donations or gift cards. Gift cards can be for shoppers, Walmart, Amazon, restaurants, etc.

Gift cards and monetary donations helps to pay for formula and baby food, special pharmacy needs like vitamins or medications, specific items of clothing or shoes they don’t have in shelter, especially as the season changes.

Donations also help fund child and youth programs. The child counsellor position is not funded by the ministry so they rely heavily on community support in order to keep that extremely important position a float.

Sadly with having to cancel their fundraiser this year and any other community events they will see a huge decline in monetary donations.

Administration Phone:

905-426-1064

24-Hour Support Phone:

1-866-437-4066

Email Us

administration@herizonhouse.com

Humane Society

April 24, 2020

by JDempsey with No Comment Uncategorised

Humane Society

We couldn’t do the work that we do for the abused, neglected and abandoned animals in Durham Region without the support of families like yours. As you may know we are a non-profit organization so we run on generous donations from our community.

When it comes to physical donations I have included a list of items that we call our “wish list” which targets items we use every day in the shelter.

Any of the following used items are happily accepted as donations as long as they are in good condition. These items include: toys, food bowls, beds, sheets, towels, blankets, cat trees (with little to no use), leashes, collars, jackets etc.

Since we will be unable to conduct our fundraising events for an undetermined amount of time, we would greatly appreciate any support through monetary donations to help us provide food for our Community Pet Food Bank and for food and medical care for the animals in the shelter and in foster placements. Please find a donation form attached.

If you have any additional questions please let us know by email or if you wish to call our number is 905-665-7430 x0 to speak with a Shelter Service Agent who can answer any questions you have.

Thank you

Elizabeth Lebel
Shelter Service Agent

Find out more about our upcoming events!

Ask how you can participate and
make a difference in the lives of animals!

Humane Society of Durham Region
1505 Wentworth Street
Whitby, ON L1N 0H9
Phone: 905-665-7430
Registered Charity No. 13256 2984 RR0001