Activity Boxes, Virtual Fundraisers, and Warm Lines
Even outside of a pandemic, there are urgent needs in the community that our friends and neighbours are facing. Combined with restrictions on gatherings, social distancing, and stay-at-home orders, the work of non-profits, charities, and community organizations becomes more important, but also more difficult to do. On our latest podcast, we spoke with representatives from...
What is a Third Party Fundraiser?
While it’s difficult to hold fundraisers the way we used to, there are so many ways that you can give back to the community and help those who need it most. One great example of this is Mainstreet Credit Union and their Dress Down Fridays. Before many of us started working from home, the staff...
Peer to Peer Table receive COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund
There is a phrase that is said often around the United Way of Chatham-Kent office -- “Nothing About Us, Without Us.” The phrase has become a mantra for the UWOCK team which reminds them that leadership does not come from dictating, but rather by standing shoulder-to-shoulder with frontline social service providers and listening to...
Helping the Hungry, Homeless, and Hurting
The Coldest Night of the Year event is returning to Chatham-Kent for a fifth year, though it’s no surprise that 2021 will be much different. Taking place virtually, participants can now walk any time this month, rather than on one day as in previous years. According to their website, “The Coldest Night of the Year...
Rebuilding Wheels Application Now Open
We've all been in a situation where we need to get somewhere but don't have a ride. This is the reality for many people living in Chatham-Kent - relying on public transit, rides from friends and family members, and using taxis or ride sharing apps. Rebuilding Wheels Rebuilding Lives (RWRL) is a program that provides...
Chatham Hope Haven & St. Andrew’s Residence
Nearly one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, non-profit groups and charities continue to face challenges every day. On our latest podcast (linked below), we spoke with Loree Bailey who is the General Manager of Chatham Hope Haven and Lynn McGeachy Schultz who is the Board Chair at St. Andrew’s Residence. As winter settles in and...
Helping Problematic Substance Use in a time of COVID
In June 2020, Ontario’s Chief Coroner announced a 25% increase in suspected drug-related deaths between March to May 2020 compared to 2019*. This statistic may sound alarming, but local frontline social service providers saw this as a possible problem in Chatham-Kent and alerted the Mental Health and Problematic Substance Use Social Planning & Action Table...
Volunteers Needed at R.O.C.K. Missions
Twice a week, dozens of volunteers reach out to people experiencing homelessness in Chatham-Kent. They bring them meals, supplies, and make connections to help ensure they are receiving and accessing the services they need. R.O.C.K. Missions was established in August 2019 and has quickly grown into an organization that does outreach every Tuesday and Saturday....
Take-Out Thursday at the ALC
Something as simple as a ready-made meal can mean so much to someone living in isolation. The Active Lifestyle Centre in Chatham is starting their Take-Out Thursday program where seniors and the general public can visit the Centre and purchase ready-made meals. Executive Director Linda Lucas says the take-out program is one of the few...
Encouraging Kindness in Schools
“Have a good day and make it good for someone else” is what Sharon Smith heard everyday from her mom, Hilda Wiersma, when heading out to school. Spreading kindness — a lot of local teachers are doing exactly this and Sharon (a staff member at Chatham Christian School) is hoping to connect these teachers from...