The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation (FVHCF) has received $300,000 in funding from the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation to support its new program for family caregivers.

The $300,000 grant is helping launch a caregiver support program across the Fraser Valley to assist people who care for family members and loved ones in Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Hope, Agassiz, and Harrison Hot Springs. The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation leads the program in collaboration with Fraser Health and community organizations.

The new program aims to support caregivers by offering them access to support groups, mental health and wellness workshops, one-on-one guidance, helpful printed and online resources, temporary respite care, transportation assistance for medical appointments, and accessibility services such as translation and child care. A key focus of the program will include culturally sensitive support for First Nations caregivers in the Hope region, developed in collaboration with community and health partners.

The Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation helps Canadian charitable organizations fund critical programs and resources for family caregivers. There are more than eight million Canadians who provide unpaid care to family members and others facing illness, disability, mental health challenges, or aging-related needs. Visit fvhcf.ca for more information.

Source: Abbotsford News