Hi all,

I am your Community Director/Community Liaison Officer for the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.

I want to share an update on the Emergency Vouchers for Elders Initiative in Clyde River. This is part of the QIA COVID-19 response plan.

The response plan is designed to provide short-term financial support to Qikiqtani Inuit Elders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

QIA is delivering this program through Ilisaqsivik and Arctic Co-ops Limited in your community. The emergency program was initially in place for 12 weeks and has now been extended for the summer.

Here is how this works:

• Under this program, a Qikiqtani Inuk Elder is someone who is 60 years and older, living in Clyde River, and enrolled in the Qikiqtani region.
• Each voucher is available as a grocery hamper worth $250
• Someone from the Ilisaqsivik society will deliver the grocery hampers to Elders
• There are two hampers remaining on the first run of the program,. They will be distributed on:
  • July 10 and 24
• The program has been extended and there are now four additional grocery hampers
• These hampers will be available every two weeks, on the following dates:
  • August 7 and 21
  • September 4 and 18

You DO NOT need to register for this program.

All Qikiqtani Elders, registered with Nunavut Tunngavik, are automatically enrolled.

This emergency support is for Elders.

QIA has asked the Ilisaqsivik society NOT to give out hampers to someone who is not on the list.

We want as many Elders as possible to benefit.

For more information on this program you can e-mail: COVID-19@qia.ca or call: 1-867-975-8383.

QIA joins health authorities in encouraging Qikiqtani Inuit to protect yourself and your community.

The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to:

• Wash your hands often
• Cough and sneeze into your arm
• Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose or mouth
• Practice social distancing
  • This means stay home
  • avoid getting together with others
  • Work from home if possible

DO NOT FORGET to self-isolate if you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19.

These symptoms include a fever, cough or trouble breathing.

If the symptoms get worse call your local health clinic. Do not go to a clinic without calling first.

I know that these are difficult times, but if we all work together; we can protect our communities.

Please visit our website at qia.ca for more information and daily updates.

You can also get the latest news and updates from our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Thank you very much for your time. Have a good day and stay safe.