Flamborough Connects’ Holiday Gift Program launches

We have officially moved into the holiday season and I’m sure everyone is looking forward to in-person celebrations.

This is also the time of year when the need is greatest among those who are alone and financially insecure.

Flamborough Connects has launched the annual Holiday Gift Program and fundraising campaign to support older adults in community.

The goals of the program are to provide gifts for those who may go without during the holidays and to raise much needed funds to support Flamborough Connects’ senior programming throughout the year.

In 2020, with the help of generous gift donors, Flamborough Connects delivered gift baskets to 87 local seniors. Their holiday wish lists included everything from grocery gift cards to brand new winter coats. If you would like to support a local senior and purchase items to make their holiday more joyful, please get in touch — and we’ll match you up.

Responding to the pandemic, in 2020-21 our organization adapted and launched programs to address the needs of vulnerable older adults in community. We recruited, oriented and trained several volunteers to facilitate Flamborough Shops (grocery delivery) and Flamborough Drives (driving).

Older adults with no access to transportation, or unable to shop on their own will continue to be supported post-pandemic. As of Oct. 31, 2021 we have facilitated over 240 drives and shops, including food bank deliveries to rural seniors.

Flamborough Connects’ programs help rural seniors keep fit, healthy and financially secure. The Wheel of Fitness gentle exercise program just resumed in person in two rural locations. Our 2021 educational series for seniors included topics on brain health, arthritis and financial planning and 161 seniors registered.

Our annual free income tax program facilitated over 200 tax returns and put almost $600,000 in refunds and benefits back into the pockets of Flamborough residents. Seventy per cent of those clients are seniors.

Though community need is growing — funding is not.

Flamborough Connects needs your help. Donations over $20 are eligible for a charitable tax receipt and go directly to supporting the co-ordination and facilitation of Flamborough Connects programs, including the Holiday Gift Program.

You can donate online at flamboroughconnects.ca/holiday-gift-program, in person at 163 Dundas St. East, Waterdown, and by e-transfer to admin@flamboroughconnects.ca. For more information, please call 905-689-7880.

View this article in the Flamborough Review here!