L’initiative Garder les aînés au chaud de Centraide est un succès

C'est un tel privilège. Je ne trouve pas les mots, pour être honnête, je suis sans voix. Cela compte plus pour moi que tout,

BayToday.ca - Linda Holmes - Nov 27, 2023 10:00 AM

Pierre Seguin se tient aux portes du site Tigre Géant Algonquin avec un large sourire aux lèvres, arborant fièrement son tout nouveau manteau d'hiver.

 The Keeping Seniors Warm inaugural event assisted 20 seniors in need.

Seguin était l’une des 20 personnes âgées sélectionnées pour participer à une séance de magasinage dans le cadre de l’initiative inaugurale Garder les aînés au chaud de Centraide.

« Centraide collecte des fonds au sein de la communauté pour obtenir un montant en dollars que nous pouvons ensuite remettre aux acheteurs qui ont été référés par les agences comme des personnes dans le besoin. Et ils peuvent utiliser un montant prévu au budget pour choisir les produits qui les garderont au chaud cet hiver », a expliqué Cathy Seguin, coordonnatrice de l'engagement communautaire de Nipissing auprès de Centraide.

Le montant budgétisé pour chaque personne âgée est de 175 $, argent qu'ils utilisent pour acheter des articles qui leur permettent de se sentir en sécurité et au chaud.

Les personnes âgées vivant avec un revenu fixe s’en privent souvent parce qu’il n’y a tout simplement pas d’argent disponible.

«Je suis tellement reconnaissant. Cela m'aide beaucoup. Je n’ai pas besoin de débourser 200 dollars pour acheter mes vêtements d’hiver. Je n'avais même jamais su qu'il existait cette organisation jusqu'à ce que j'obtienne les documents. J'ai été surpris», a déclaré Pierre Seguin en énumérant les articles dont il avait besoin.

"Je cherche un manteau d'hiver, un caleçon long, des chaussettes, une tuque et des mitaines, le nécessaire."

Volunteers like Shannon Clausen helped the seniors with their shopping.

“They seem very happy and grateful, and they know what they need. They know what they’re here for and it is nice to be able to help them.”

The seniors were referred through agencies, such as the Crisis Centre and LIPI (Low Income People Involvement of Nipissing.)

The seniors also received a swag bag at the end of their shopping excursion filled with wonderful items like a Tim Hortons gift card, toiletries, bottled water and some treats.

“They also are provided with transportation to and from the store to make their day a little easier to get around,” shared Seguin.

P.H.A.R.A .'s CEO, Mike Van Der Vilst is pleased to have partnered with the United Way to help seniors stay warm this winter.

“We’re a non-profit charitable organization in North Bay that has a lot of programs that support seniors; from our outreach programs to assistive devices so it was just a perfect match. And to give back to the community with the volunteers the United Way has brought in, it warms your heart.”

Earlier in the morning, senior Morris Rombough shopped for his own winter wear including winter boots, thermal underwear, thick socks, and a pair of jeans.

“It is fantastic. It is such a privilege. I can’t find the words, to be honest, I’m speechless. It means more to me than anything,” said Rombough, who went on to describe the winter he would have had without this opportunity.

“I would get through the winter, but it would be rough, very rough. So, it is just so heartwarming that people out there are willing to help, and that means a lot.”

Rombough’s volunteer helper was Cassy Clausen.

“They’re really grateful for this experience, and I’m really glad I get to help them because I wouldn’t want anybody going cold this winter, especially the seniors in our community,” said Clausen.

It was an eye-opening experience for the 15-year-old volunteer, who enjoyed speaking with the seniors.

“It is sometimes hard for them to get through the winter, they’re going cold and it is really sad and heartbreaking.”

One woman told her volunteer that it was the first time in her life that was able to own a brand-new winter coat.

At the end of his shopping excursion, Rick Hodges proudly stood with two bags filled with winter apparel.

“It was great. I could cry. I got a coat and sweaters and pants and some socks. My stuff is getting old looking, you can see I’ve worn it for quite some time,” Hodges said pointing to his frayed coat.

“Without all this, it would be a cold winter, so thank you very much.”

It was a successful day all the way around.

“I’m glad that we started off our inaugural year with a realistic target for our area. All I see is growth and potential going forward,” shared Seguin from a United Way standpoint.

“The need is very great. You look at housing issues, you look at transportation issues, you look at some of the insecurities that are out there in the community and programs like this just make our cold winters a little more tolerable for somebody who is out on the street more than they’d like to be.”