FAQ – March with Melanie

A: Money raised will go to support seniors living at Carefor not for profit retirement care homes by bringing recreation into the home in the form of activities, craft supplies, performers, special meals, events and equipment. It will also be used to develop a wellness program for residents who need additional medical care but can’t afford it such as footcare, dental work, massage as well as for exercise programs like tai chi and chair yoga to help prevent falls.

A: It starts on October 1^st and runs until December 24^th.

A: We’re looking for 100 people to sign up to raise $100 each as part of the campaign. To do this, go here to create a page. Then share it with your friends and family to let them know you are raising money for vulnerable seniors in your community.

A: Of course! The more money we raise, the more recreation and wellness we can bring to seniors living at Carefor retirement care homes. When you create your page, set your personal goal.

A: Definitely! They can join your team or march for Melanie on their own. On the CanadaHelps page you’ll see that you can choose if you want to create a team, join a team or sign up by yourself

A:  Absolutely. Within 24 hours of you signing up you will receive a toolkit. That toolkit will contain graphics for you to share on your social media, as well as some text you can add into your post (with your own edits). You can also share other posts on social media. The more, the better. Make them personal and fun – videos of you walking, pictures of your walking shoes, etc.

You will also receive an email that you can share with your friends and family letting them know that you are Marching with Melanie and how they can either join or support you. You will get other emails through the campaign that you can share, as well as tips and tricks on getting people to support you.

A: First of all, walk. Get out and get your steps in just like Melanie will be doing. Second or all, let people know you’re Marching with Melanie. Post about it on social media. Third, keep track of your steps.

A: Seniors from across the Ottawa Valley who are no longer able to live at home due to health issues but cannot afford more costly retirement homes. Carefor retirement homes are the most affordable in the Ottawa Valley but for some the cost of care is all they can afford, so activities, recreation, trips and some forms of health care are unaffordable. The money raised from Care for Seniors with Melanie goes to cover these costs bringing joy and wellness into their lives.

A: Melanie Freeman is a resident of Carefor Civic Complex. She moved there 4 years ago when her mother and caregiver Lucille passed away. Knowing she was unable to care for herself, her doctor recommended she move into Civic. Since moving in she has blossomed into a fun, active and social person with the ambition and courage to help others. Read her story.

A: Melanie will be walking every day. Last year she walked every day from October 24 to December 24 and raised $20,000 for recreation, outings, and activities at Civic and Mackay.