For Sudburian Cindy McDonald, whose only source of income is the Ontario Disability Support Program, it can be a difficult choice sometimes between paying bills or being able to afford warm clothing.
That’s why she was so appreciative to be a beneficiary of the Keeping Seniors Warm program, which provided about $150 to 100 seniors on Nov. 4 to purchase clothing at Giant Tiger.
“It’s hard when you’re a senior and you live on Disability,” McDonald said. “I’m grateful, because on a fixed income, I couldn’t buy half of this stuff.”
McDonald was shopping for sweaters and pants, “things to keep me warm over the winter,” she said, while looking through the racks at Giant Tiger.
“This is a great program, and I wish it was able to help out even more seniors.”
Brenda Legault, a volunteer with the Sudbury Teacher’s Alliance, accompanied McDonald around the store to help her shop. It was her second year volunteering with the Keeping Seniors Warm program.
“It’s a fantastic thing, and it makes me feel really good,” Legault said. “It’s a great day to meet someone new and help them shop.”
The number of seniors benefiting from the program this year is 100, double the number from last year, said May Michasiw, co-chair, Keeping Seniors Warm.
“The demand was so great, we felt we needed to do something to generate some revenue,” Michasiw said.
In February, the group hosted a 24-hour rock-a-thon to raise money.
“It was an amazing success, and as a result, we are able to have 100 seniors shopping with us today, double the amount from last year,” she said.
However, the waiting list for the program is substantial, and the group is already preparing for next year with another rock-a-thon scheduled for Feb. 24
Seniors are referred by various agencies in Greater Sudbury.
“Based on their needs, we determine who qualifies,” Michasiw said.
Seniors aren’t eligible two years in a row, but they can register every two years, and it’s not just clothing they can purchase. It could be sheets, or any item that will help keep them warm.
“We thank our community for their generous support, it’s really heart warming,” Michasiw said.
