Delivering meals and virtual programs to seniors in isolation

During COVID-19, the Kerby Centre, which supports seniors all across Calgary, has had to turn itself inside out to ensure that the most vulnerable members of the community have ongoing support during mandated self-isolation. Through a $20,000 grant from the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, the Kerby Centre was able to support  seniors in their community and help reduce their isolation. They created and delivered meals to those in need and shifted their programming to a digital solution, offering novel online courses and programs that fostered connections among them.

“Thanks to partners like the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, the Kerby Centre has been able to prepare and deliver more than 8,000 free meals to isolated seniors since the beginning of the pandemic.”

With the Kerby Centre’s facility forced to close during the pandemic, the need for seniors requiring support grew within their community, particularly in terms of food security and staying connected with one another. With help from the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation grant, the Centre was able to package over 8000 pre-made frozen meals and deliver them to seniors safely in isolation. They also made over 700 grocery store runs for those unable to get out. As COVID-19 continues, the Centre is looking to keep its meal service going, providing 500-600 meals per week to seniors in need, along with offering additional programs that will most benefit seniors during this time. 

“This year has challenged us to find new ways to support seniors in our community, including helping ensure food security,” says Kerby Centre CEO Larry Mathieson. “Thanks to partners like the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, the Kerby Centre has been able to prepare and deliver more than 8,000 free meals to isolated seniors since the beginning of the pandemic.”

Through this grant from the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, seniors in the Calgary region have a safe and secure way to stay fed, along with access to virtual programs to stay connected. We will continue to support local Canadian charities like the Kerby Centre that focus on our most vulnerable and give those in need peace of mind, especially during trying times.