As the pandemic drags on it is becoming more difficult for those living in poverty. Food security for Canadians has become a major concern as many go hungry.
Recently officers from the Winnipeg Police Service had responded to a call that involved a senior in their 80s. The officers became concerned for the senior and learned that the senior was in dire straits, fairly isolated and did not have any money for food.
Police were able to immediately resolve the food issue by giving the senior an emergency food box that contained basic food staples. Forty of these emergency boxes had been donated to the WPS by Rapid Relief Team CA in November for exactly this type of situation.
The officers then took things one step further and along with members of their shift donated money that was used to purchase several hundred dollars in grocery store gift certificates for the senior.
The members also connected the senior with the Bear Clan so they could register for their weekly food hamper program and to Age and Opportunity Support Services for older Adults Program.
“COVID has magnified food and income insecurity for marginalized people in our community,” said Diane Redsky, CEO of Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre.”We applaud the actions taken by WPS to support a vulnerable senior in need and connect them to ongoing community supports. This is a perfect example of how policing works collaboratively with community agencies to care for the most vulnerable in our city.”
© News4.ca 2020
