One of the groups most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are seniors. They are more at risk due to the virus, but are also more likely to suffer from isolation due to the restrictions surrounding the virus. The PPE Mask Project by the Yorkton and District Community Foundation is intended to keep seniors safe and give them opportunities to stay active in the community, distributing free masks to seniors throughout the Good Spirit Housing Authority, and interest has been expressed through other organizations. The masks have been distributed in Yorkton, Canora and Melville so far.
Andrew Rae with the YDCF said that it鈥檚 about their mandate of helping vulnerable populations in the region.
鈥淭ypically, when someone is in a housing authority property, they do have some economic disadvantages that we鈥檙e trying to address. Maybe they can鈥檛 procure their own masks, so that鈥檚 where we, as a charitable foundation, can fit in.鈥�
Over 550 packages have been distributed so far, with each package containing one cloth mask, made by Judith Stewart, ten disposable masks, and instructions for care and cleaning for the cloth mask. Rae explained that the cloth mask is for the primary resident, while the disposable masks are intended for guests, so they can visit the seniors without putting anyone at risk. He expects that there will be refills for the paper masks available for this reason.
Rae said that it鈥檚 important to have masks distributed to residents because they are otherwise at risk.
鈥淯sually the population in a Housing Authority facility are elderly, usually they are an at risk population, they have heart conditions, diabetes, lung conditions, that make them vulnerable than the general population as well. What we鈥檙e trying to do is give them a utility to allow them to conduct their life in as normal a manner as possible, so that they can go about their day, do their business, for mental health make sure that they socialize.鈥�
Several organizations and businesses are supporting this project, including the Rotary Club of Yorkton, Bailey鈥檚 Funeral Home, Legacy Co-op, Grain Millers and Canadian Tire. Rae thanks them for their support, and said that their response was enthusiastic and appreciated. If others want to support the project, Rae said that they can still get involved by contacting [email protected].
The foundation is new, and the COVID-19 crisis has forced them to hit the ground running. Rae noted that they had planned on starting an emergency fund for the community, but in a different manner. Their goal is to build a legacy and support vulnerable populations in the region.
The YDCF is also in the middle of accepting grant applications for the Emergency Community Response Fund, the deadline is on July 27, though Rae recommends applying as soon as possible.聽 They have $75,000 to distribute through the federal government to area organizations, and Rae said they鈥檙e half-way through process. To apply, or just learn more about the foundation itself, visit ydcf.ca.
