Media Releases

VON flag raised as deputy-mayor declares VON Week in Amherst

The dedicated work of VON Cumberland was recognized on May 17 when Deputy-Mayor Sheila Christie proclaimed May 20 to May 26 VON Week in the Town of Amherst.

Christie read the proclamation moments before assisting VON Cumberland board president George Baker and Coun. Terry Rhindress raise the VON flag at the corner of Church and Albion streets.

The deputy-mayor noted VON Cumberland site nurses, home-support workers, other staff and volunteers have been caring for the lives and well-being of Amherst residents since 1938.

“Their programs, health promotion and support services have made a significant contribution to the town and the health-care system in Nova Scotia,” Christie said. “I encourage all Amherst residents to support VON Cumberland and our community by volunteering with the organization or by financially supporting VON Cumberland’s charitable programs.”

Baker thanked the town for issuing the proclamation and noted the local chapter of the Victorian Order of Nurses has been delivering health solutions and care to clients in Cumberland County for more than 80 years.

“As you may have noticed recently, VON has updated its look by adopting a new logo and the slogan, ‘Live Every Day,’” he said. “To support this rebranding and renewed strategic plan, VON continues to offer several programs and services to our communities at large to make them stronger and more empowered in their healthcare decisions.

“Our goal is to allow VON clients access to services they need, remain as independent as possible and to feel a sense of social connection as they take part in our programs and services in the community, such as Meals on Wheels, foot-care clinics and adult day programs.”

Baker said the VON also offers programs and services that provide respite and support needed to sustain the well-being and capacity of caregivers.

“Our nurses and home-support workers’ caring support enables VON clients to live their best life without fear or worry,” he said. “Without VON Cumberland – and all volunteers staff and board members – we couldn’t give the level of service that is needed. For this, we thank you for your hard work and dedication.”

Like Christie, Baker asked area residents to support the non-profit organization by volunteering or by providing donations to support its many programs.

VON Cumberland is part of VON Canada, which has been helping take care of Canadians in their homes since 1897. With almost 14,000 staff and volunteers in sites in 1,200 communities across the country, it is a leader in the delivery of innovative community health-care services.

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.