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Many elderly Winnipeggers are suffering from hunger and isolation during the pandemic, and the Winnipeg Police Service, along with partners, have stepped in to help.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Inspector Bonnie Emerson of the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) told media that 40 food hampers were donated to the WPS by Rapid Relief Team Canada (RRT), an international non-profit, in November to help the elderly. Another 90 hampers were distributed on Wednesday.
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Police officers chip in to give hungry senior groceries Written by Taylor Brock Wednesday, Dec 23 2020, 10:16 AM Emergency food kits filled with staples were donated to the Winnipeg Police Service to give to Winnipeggers in need. (WPS/Facebook)
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The Winnipeg Police Service says they are seeing more people face hunger and isolation issues in Winnipeg, but are hoping to help.
The WPS recently received a call regarding a senior in their 80s. When they arrived, officers began to speak more with the senior and learned they were experiencing great difficulties.
They discovered the senior was in dire straights with no money for food and was completely isolated.
Posted: Dec 23, 2020 1:14 PM CT | Last Updated: December 23, 2020
Insp. Bonnie Emerson, right, stands with cadets and members of the Rapid Relief Team, along with a supply of emergency food boxes outside of the Winnipeg Police Service headquarters. (Winnipeg Police Service)
Increased isolation due to COVID-19 has also led to severe challenges impacting the health and safety of vulnerable Winnipeggers, many of whom are being encountered by Winnipeg police.
Officers recently responded to a well-being call for a senior in their 80s, who was isolated and had no money for food, according to Insp. Bonnie Emerson.
Through connections with community partners, police were able to provide the senior with an emergency food box filled with basic food staples, she said.