The Calgary Flames Foundation has announced $265,000 in funding through the Calgary Flames Foundation COVID-19 Community Support Program. These donations follow the announcement of $1.15 million in donations to 15 charities on March 21st in support of vulnerable populations, food mobilization, mental health support, relief funding and family support services, bringing the total donated to relief efforts to $1,380,000. Included in the recent contributions is $100,000 directed to the Calgary Health Trust for the purchase of iPads to help launch “virtual visits” for hospitals and congregate living seniors facilities.
The Calgary Flames Foundation has partnered up with the Calgary Health Trust to help launch a program that will keep people in Calgary hospitals and seniors homes connected with loved ones through “virtual visits.” The $100,000 contribution will also provide the sanitary and hygienic materials needed to share the devices and will help those impacted the most by COVID-19 and other serious conditions, stay in touch with loved ones. The need for technology in congregate living seniors facilities and hospital rooms is significant and urgent.
”We are incredibly proud to partner with the Calgary Flames Foundation in this investment that will keep our community connected and strong. When you need the care of our health system, connections with loved ones are an important part of healing and staying mentally well,” says Mike Meldrum, President and CEO of Calgary Health Trust. “And now is a time when we need each other most.”
“We hope this technology and virtual visit program will be impactful to recipients and their families. We are fortunate to have been able to join forces with the Calgary Health Trust to help facilitate this. Enabling these connections and the ability to have a conversation with a loved one for some of our most vulnerable is an urgent need,” said Chair of the Calgary Flames Foundation, Jeff McCaig.
Last month the Calgary Flames Foundation, in partnership with the United Way, also distributed 500 Chromebooks to high school students in urgent need.
In addition to the above, the Calgary Flames Foundation is immediately distributing $165,000 to nine more charities to further support areas of need in food mobilization, mental health support, relief funding and family support services.