Photo supplied.
One of Millbrook Community Care’s dedicated drivers.
Community Care is an organization developed to support the health and well-being of seniors and adults with physical challenges live independently in their home. It provides a wide range of services to help them maintain their independence and dignity. The Millbrook branch of Community Care operates under the umbrella of Community Care Peterborough, which is managed by a board of directors, a few staff and almost 1,000 volunteers throughout the City and County of Peterborough.
Millbrook Community Care offers a wide variety of programs through local partnerships and an extensive use of volunteers supporting clients in tangible ways. The office operates with a single paid staff member: Community Development Coordinator Karen Morton. With the help of volunteers, the Millbrook organization provides a wide variety of services including transportation, targeted exercise programs, social activities and telephone reassurance checks. During their most recent fiscal year which ended on March 31st, this energetic group of 63 volunteers served more than 391 clients, providing the equivalent work of more than six full time staff. They delivered 2,469 meals, provided more than 4,000 friendly visiting calls, made 343 grocery deliveries and 435 home help and maintenance visits to local clients. One of the most important service offered is transportation to and from appointments. Last year volunteers provided a lift for 2,781 clients. Drivers are always needed to take clients to medical appointments.
While Community Care receives some financial support from the province, the bulk of their spending is raised by each branch. In 2024, they had to raise $69,000 towards their operating budget. There is significant support in local fundraising activities including the Advantage Charity Classic Golf Tournament organized by Chris Schier that took place last month. This year the tournament raised roughly $14,000 for Millbrook Community Care. The Smile Cookie campaign earlier this year brought in another $15,000. Another key revenue source is Millbrook’s New to You shop located at their office which sells gently used clothing, which generates another $20,000 per year on average.
If you find yourself with some spare time or some spare cash, consider supporting this local organization that does so much for our senior population. With any luck, you might find yourself in need of their services in the future.
For more information contact Karen Morton at your local Community Care Office in Millbrook (705) 932-2011. Information about volunteering is also available on their website located at www.commcareptbo.org/volunteerwithcommunitycare. KG