April 6, 2021 - Toronto – Earlier today, March of Dimes Canada welcomed caregivers to A Moment for You: A Conversation Among Caregivers, a virtual event that marked National Caregiver Day and recognized the often unseen contribution of caregivers everywhere. In 2018, March of Dimes Canada received a $425,000 Grow Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that enabled the launch of the Caregiver Project, an initiative that provides support to events like these to help isolated caregivers stay connected to their communities.

Caregivers play an essential role in the lives of those they care for, often with great personal sacrifice,” said Len Baker, president and CEO of March of Dimes Canada. “Being a caregiver is hard and isolating, and we know the need for support and connection is there. Thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for its generous funding of this program, which helps make a difference in the quality of life for caregivers, especially as they navigate the additional challenges of COVID-19.”

Being a caregiver is challenging, rewarding, scary, depressing, draining, frustrating, funny, sad and one of the most genuine acts of kindness there is. No matter the 

emotions a person feels during this process, it is important to know that they are not alone.

When the Caregiver Project began, caregivers were offered a mix of in-person events, talks, support sessions and one in-person conference that brought together caregivers, experts and advocates to share lived experiences and ideas. Since the start of the pandemic, offerings have shifted online with virtual webinars, caregiver conversations about the challenges and rewards of caregiving and one on one support. This programming continues to provide needed help for family caregivers – who number 3.3. million in Ontario.  For more information see www.marchofdimes.ca/caregivers.