The Grand Parade is a family-friendly team event that is a lot of fun for individuals of all ages and physical abilities. ONE CARE Home & Community Support Services’ fundraising goal this year is $35,000. ONE CARE’s Communications Specialist, Hilary Marshall, says, “All funds raised go directly towards a senior or a person with health challenges in need of subsidized fees. Many people in our community are elderly, alone, and isolated. Trying to pay for the cost of living while also receiving the services they need can be difficult. So, help from the community is greatly appreciated.”
Funds raised through events such as this have also helped to pay for an accessible van to transport clients to medical appointments and day programs. Marshall says, “A lot of our clients receive transportation to our Adult Day Programs during the day. The accessible vans are very important.”
ONE CARE is encouraging individual walkers and teams to help them meet their fundraising goal. “Donations can be made directly through the Grand Parade website. Teams and individuals can also register to participate on the grand parade website. Marshall says, “A majority of the funds raised so far have been through sponsorships from businesses in our community, which has been great, and we are so grateful for their generosity and continued support.”
Providing essential services
ONE CARE Home & Community Support Services is a community-based, charitable, not-for-profit organization that provides supportive care to families throughout Huron and Perth counties and the surrounding area. Hilary Marshall says, “ONE CARE provides a wide range of supportive care services that offers seniors and people with health challenges the vital support they need to enjoy a better quality of life as they age at home.”
In 2011, three support organizations within Huron and Perth counties merged to form ONE CARE Home & Community Support Services. Their mission is to assist seniors and older adults with health challenges in various ways, while also offering theirs caregivers some relief. Programs include,
- Adult Day Programs
- Assessments and Care Planning
- Assisted Living
- Day/Overnight Respite
- Blood Pressure Clinics
- Dining/Social Programs
- Friendly Visiting
- Food Care
- Home at Last
- Home Help
- Let’s Go Home
- Lifeline – Emergency Response
- Meals on Wheels,
- Social Work
- Telephone Reassurance
- Transportation
- Wellness and Exercise
- And PSW’s to provide care within a client’s home
Marshall says, “For example, our Adult Day Program allows clients to enjoy activities, exercise, socialization, and good nutrition. It gives their caregivers peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones are being supported and cared for while they run errands, or take a break.” Last year, ONE CARE served more than 7,300 clients. The delivery of services is made possible in large part because of the support they receive from the wider community in Huron and Perth counties through various fundraisers.
The 2.5K or 5K walks begin at the Upper Queen’s Park Pavilion in Stratford and travels the path around picturesque Lake Victoria. Registration begins at 10am on September 16th. ONE CARE is encouraging the community to get moving in support of ONE CARE’s annual walkathon. This is a great way to connect with your community and support those in need of ONE CARE’s services.”
For more information visit: www.thegrandparade.org/location/stratford or www.onecaresupport.ca Contact them via email: [email protected] or call 1-877-502-8277.