The March of Dimes Canada is launching an emergency campaign to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Canadian with disabilities, and to raise funds for urgently-needed online and telephone-based programs and services, in the wake of postponing its spring and summer fundraising events.
“Already vulnerable and disconnected, COVID-19 has dramatically increased the isolation of this community and destabilized the programs, services and support networks they count on every day,” said March of Dimes Canada President and CEO Len Baker.
“We have adapted many of our programs to be virtual, but we want and need to do much more to ensure every person with a disability is safely connected and supported through these unprecedented times.”
People with disabilities frequently live socially isolated lives. To counter this isolation, March of Dimes Canada plays a vital role in offering programs to help people live as independently as possible, while providing opportunities for learning, skill development and social connection with a community of peers. Usually held in accessible locations in the community, these workshops, one-on-one sessions and larger gatherings are often the only face-to-face contact people have with others in a day or week.
“It’s hard being home alone all day. I’m not as mobile as I’m supposed to be because of social distancing, so I’m worried about that. And I need people to talk to. I miss them so much,” said Terry Banks, who lives with multiple sclerosis. “When March of Dimes Canada let me know the exercise program I attend was being adapted and offered online, I felt like I’d been thrown a lifeline. I need it for my MS because it’s important to keep moving and it helps with my balance. But more than that, everyone in the online group is just delighted to be able to socialize. We log on early just for a chance to chat.”
“We need our emergency campaign to succeed because people with disabilities need us now, more than ever,” said Baker. “We worry that this acute isolation brought on by the pandemic will have serious health consequences.” Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to many physical and mental health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, anxiety and depression.
