Toronto observes caregivers’ day
Toronto, Apr 3 (IBNS): Caregiver Day was observed today at Toronto City Hall, media reports said.
In January last year, the city council had proclaimed April 3 as Family Caregiver Day.
Toronto mayor John Tory, councillors James Pasternak and Josh Matlow were present at the event. They recognized the important roles caregivers play in caring for family and friends in need of support.
City residents were reportedly encouraged to recognize the contributions of caregivers and appreciation for their efforts on social media using #Careitforward.
“Family caregivers provide an important service in our communities,” said Pasternak. “It’s important that we support them and recognize the role they play in caring for some of our most vulnerable residents.”
The event was kicked off by Carole Ann Alloway, author and co-founder of Family Caregivers Voice and two caregivers gave moving accounts of what it’s like to provide support for their loved ones.
ENRICHES Collaborative, Family Caregiver Voice and over 12 other partner organizations joined the event.
“Family caregivers represent almost 30 per cent of Toronto’s population, providing unpaid care to family members and friends who need help due to a health condition, disability or challenges related to aging,” Tory said. “Caregiving is rewarding but it can also be emotionally, physically and financially stressful. This event allows us to give these everyday heroes some of the recognition that they deserve.”
Dr Joel Sadavoy, chair of the ENRICHES Collaborative Steering Committee and director of Reitman Centre for Alzheimer's Support and Training at Sinai Health System, said, “This event is a wonderful opportunity for Toronto to come together in support of this often invisible and vulnerable group of individuals who are such a crucial component to the well-being of our Toronto community.”
Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a mentoring session with experts in the caregiver profession, visit the interactive technology booth and hear from a panel of speakers about caregiving support.
The event was live-streamed to allow caregivers in different locations to participate and they had a chance to enjoy magic and comedy acts by Broadway star Mark Correia.
Vanier Institute of the Family, a national, independent, charitable organization dedicated to understanding the diversity and complexity of family life in Canada, held the private premiere of the film The Caregivers' Club in Canada’s capital Ottawa on the occasion.
(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)
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