April 14th Covid 19 community response meeting summary

COVID 19 Community Response Meeting Summary – April 14th

On April 14th residents of Don Valley East met up to discuss their concerns regarding this crisis and the impact its having on the most vulnerable; key topics discussed as follows:  

(1) concerns regarding vulnerable folks in Don Valley East and how the community can assist during this crisis 
(2) School Q&A from our Trustee Trixie Dyole; regarding school start up. 

School Board Update: 

• The School Board is challenged  with extending the school year into the summer due to existing contracts & lack of air conditioning in many schools 

Vulnerable folks in Don Valley East: 

• Greater than  18% of Don Valley East’s population is made up of Seniors 
• Seniors are at high risk and vulnerable to COVID 19, extra care and attention by the community is required, its well know that many of these seniors are not using social media, email or the internet
• Grocery Store Access: it has come to our attention that the current shopping-time set aside for seniors at grocery stores is not working, its too early and folks (the vulnerable)  are having to wait too long in lines outside of stores 
• If Seniors need help they need to call the City of Toronto at 211 

Decisions / Next Steps

• The group is recommending a mail-out, to facilitate the mail-out the group is asking for support and funding from local elected officials
• The goal of the mail-out is to ensure the vulnerable are informed, encouraged and put at ease:
• An example of what the message could contain is as follows:  

1. City of Toronto help number (211)
2. important COVID 19 messages and instructions 
3. convey neighbourhood solidarity

Grocery Store Access 

1.  develop an action plan – with our elected officials’ support – to improve grocery store access for vulnerable seniors who cannot (1) access the internet for online shopping (2) having difficulty waiting in line early in the early morning   

Next Meeting: 
Time / Date: Tuesday Apr 21st @ 8:00 PM
P: 416-212-8011 / Code: 1466624 /
our phone number: 647-963-0181