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May 17 to May 23, 2020 declared VON Week in the Town of Amherst

The dedicated work performed by VON Cumberland to ensure the health and safety of Amherst and area residents was recognized on May 15, 2020, when Mayor David Kogon proclaimed May 17 to May 23, 2020, as VON Week in the Town of Amherst.

“VON site nurses, home-support workers, other staff and volunteers have been caring for the lives and well-being of Amherst and area residents since 1938,” Mayor David Kogon said as he signed the proclamation.

“By proclaiming VON week, we acknowledge the incredible care VON staff and volunteers deliver in order to keep people healthy and safe at home. It is even more important to recognized their efforts during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I would encourage all residents of Amherst and the surrounding area to support the VON and our communities by sharing positive virtual messages and financially supporting VON Cumberland’s charitable programs.”VON 2020 proclamation B

Besides signing the proclamation, the Town of Amherst will also recognize VON Cumberland”s work by flying the VON flag at the corner of Church and Albion streets during VON Week.

In a statement released by VON Cumberland, the organization noted that across the province VON employees are on the front lines of the COVID-19 response.

“The efforts of VON caregivers are helping to keep people fed, cared for and safe in their homes,” the statement said. “These efforts are essential, and in many cases help reduce further strain on our fellow medical professionals in hospitals.

“These people are all heroes in this global effort. During VON Week, we celebrate VON staff who deliver this care or play a role behind the scenes, along with volunteers and donors who support this work.”

VON Week also illustrates the important contribution of home care to Canada’s health system and the “positive impact our VON home and community care providers have on their clients’ lives,” the statement said.

“To help celebrate the week, VON Cumberland invites our community to acknowledge members of our VON team through our virtual recognition campaign #VONCares. For more information on this campaign, visit von.ca/vocid-19.”

VON Canada has been pioneering care at home since 1897. Today, the organization is a highly trusted non-profit organization that works with its clients, employees, volunteers and partners to provide innovative clinical, personal and social support to people who want the comfort and peace of mind of living in their own homes and communities. VON Canada has an Exemplary Standing Accreditation with Accreditation Canada.

VON Cumberland is part of VON Canada, which has almost 14,000 staff and volunteers in 1,200 communities across the country. VON Canada is a leader in the delivery of innovative community health-care services and has an exemplary standing accreditation with Accreditation Canada.

VON Cumberland employs about 160 people, including nurses, continuing-care assistants, client-service associates, management and administrative staff. They provide in-home support and nursing throughout Cumberland County, offer foot-care clinics in Amherst, Oxford, Pugwash, Wallace, Springhill, River Hebert, Parrsboro and Advocate Harbour, provide Meals on Wheels in Amherst and conduct adult day programs two days per week in Amherst and Oxford.

They also offer the Vial of Life program throughout Cumberland County.