BRAMPTON, ON (June 16, 2020) – On May 27, Brampton City Council passed a motion to recognize the many contributions of Brampton’s seniors through a dedicated day. This year, with guidance from the Brampton Senior Citizens Council, June 19 is proclaimed as Seniors Appreciation Day in Brampton, as part of Seniors Month celebrations in June.
A special Seniors Appreciation Day Tele Town Hall will be held on June 19, from 11 am to noon. The program will feature welcome remarks from Mayor Patrick Brown, a pre-recorded performance from the Chinguacousy Concert Band, and a motivational presentation from Paralympian and World Champion Jeff Adams. As we continue to navigate through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this will also be an opportunity for seniors to speak with Peel Public Health and Regional Councillors Pat Fortini and Gurpreet Dhillon, co-leads of the COVID-19 Seniors Support Task Force.
To join the call, seniors can call 311 to register their phone number by Thursday, June 18. A live audio stream will be available online.
June is Seniors Month in Brampton
Online activities for seniors
A range of activities created for seniors are available online, including fitness videos, activity sheets, puzzles, and more at www.brampton.ca/recreation.
Community mosaic project
Seniors are encouraged to take part in a meaningful community mosaic project to capture what “community friendship” means to them. Once registered, participants will receive an art kit including a 4’ x 4’ ceramic tile, an acrylic paint set, and a paintbrush. Whether it’s a message or an illustration, seniors can highlight their interpretation of “friendship” in any way they choose. City volunteers will collect the tiles and display the full mosaic in a public location in July. Seniors can register to receive supplies by calling 311 or emailing covid19seniors@brampton.ca. The deadline to register is June 19. Details are available at www.brampton.ca/recreation.
Seniors Café: Call-in Chats
To combat the feeling of isolation as a result of COVID-19 physical distancing measures, seniors can now connect and socialize with other seniors from the comfort of their homes. Through a free telephone program facilitated by the City of Brampton, seniors may discuss a
specific topic, play a game or take part in general conversations. Seniors can call 905.874.3348 to set up a date and time that works for them.
Additional support for seniors during COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the COVID-19 Seniors Support Task Force has supported seniors in need with grocery delivery. Seniors can place a grocery order by calling 311 or emailing covid19seniors@brampton.ca. For those without a payment card, the City pays on their behalf through its grocery partners. Volunteers drop the groceries off on the resident’s doorstep, and their grocery invoice is sent to them to pay within 30 days.
The Seniors Support Task Force has responded to more than 690 inquiries and has completed more than 200 grocery and medication deliveries to seniors in Brampton in response to COVID-19. Around 1,600 care packages with Personal Protective Equipment are being distributed to seniors, and more than 90 seniors groups have been engaged in Brampton through the City’s Age-Friendly Committee.
Seniors may contact the Seniors Support Task Force anytime by calling 311 or emailing covid19seniors@brampton.ca for support during this trying time.
Background
The City of Brampton continues to engage and celebrate the senior population living in our community. Through the Age-Friendly Strategy, the City is focused on responding to the unique needs of residents during all stages of life, through the development and design of complete, sustainable communities. This is the 36th year the Province of Ontario has recognized June is Seniors Month.
Quotes
“Seniors make up nearly 11 per cent of Brampton’s diverse and growing community, and I am proud to celebrate our elders this June. Brampton is a leader in age-friendliness, and seniors play a key role in shaping our city. The City will continue to ensure our seniors feel valued and engaged, and have the supports they need to stay healthy. I encourage everyone to do their part and celebrate seniors this month with physical distancing practices in mind.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“Seniors are the foundation of our community, and we’re taking strides to recognize and celebrate them. With guidance from the Brampton Senior Citizens Council, I am proud to say that Brampton City Council unanimously supported my motion to create a Seniors Day during Seniors Month. On this dedicated day, we will ensure we focus on our seniors and acknowledge all they have achieved in Brampton and beyond.”
- Martin Medeiros, Regional Councillor, Wards 3 & 4; Chair, Planning & Development, City of Brampton
“Every year, City staff plan activities to celebrate Seniors Month in June. This year, the City is adapting to the impacts of COVID-19 by taking the celebrations online. From call-in chats, to online activities, to instructional fitness videos, we are engaging and connecting with our seniors in meaningful ways all month long.”
- David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton
As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is home to 650,000 people and 70,000 businesses. People are at the heart of everything we do. We are energized by our diverse communities, we attract investment, and we are embarking on a journey to lead technological and environmental innovation. We partner for progress to build a healthy city that is safe, sustainable and successful. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Learn more at www.brampton.ca.
MEDIA CONTACT
Christine Sharma
Media Relations, City of Brampton
905.874.2880 | christine.sharma@brampton.ca
