News

For many seniors, maintaining independence and staying connected to their community can be a challenge due to health issues or physical limitations. VON client Hal Holt, a Kingston resident, has experienced this firsthand but has found a way to stay active, engaged, and independent in his own home.

A retired human resources professional, Hal has long been a dedicated volunteer, passionate about contributing to his church and various EDII (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigeneity) initiatives.

However, as time went on, daily tasks like grocery shopping and laundry became more difficult to manage. “I used to pay someone to come in and do my laundry,” Hal recalls. “Then someone suggested I might qualify for VON’s SMILE program, so I applied.”

SMILE (Seniors Managing Independent Living Easily) provides support to seniors by offering essential services that allow them to continue living independently in their own homes. Once accepted, Hal began receiving weekly assistance with grocery shopping and laundry, easing the burden of those tasks. 

The program also covers the $40 monthly cost of Hal’s emergency response system, provides him with frozen nutritious meals through Meals on Wheels every couple of weeks, and assists with transportation to and from medical appointments. 

The support he receives through the SMILE program has allowed Hal to remain engaged in his community. Throughout his career in human resources, Hal held senior roles at Kingston General Hospital and worked internationally in places like India, Jamaica, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh and Namibia. Even as health challenges began to affect his mobility, Hal remained determined to stay involved in his EDII work.

He continues to serve virtually on the city’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Advisory Committee and on the board of the Kingston Institute for Multi-Racial Inclusion. “Now I have time to stay engaged in EDII, which I could not do without the support from VON,” Hal says.

The services provided by the SMILE program have also helped Hal stay in his own home, something he values deeply. “If I were in a long-term care home, I would still have my computer, but it wouldn’t be the same,” he explains. “The SMILE program helps me stay in my own home and continue doing everything I love.”

Hal also appreciates the relationships he has developed with his caregivers, who he describes as “unbelievable,” noting that they are “really nice, caring and efficient people.” 

Hal is also a VON donor, choosing to support the organization that has become so meaningful to him. “VON is on my donation list,” Hal says. “They continue to do amazing work to support members of our community, like myself.”

Hal’s experience highlights how the right support can make all the difference in helping seniors maintain their independence, stay healthy, and stay connected to their communities. The VON SMILE program has played a vital role in enabling Hal to live on his terms, remain a volunteer, and continue contributing to the community he cares about.

To learn more about the VON SMILE program, visit https://von.ca/en/smile.