Mayor John Tory has proclaimed today as Family Caregiver Day in Toronto. It’s a day where all residents are encouraged to recognize and celebrate family caregivers in Toronto.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, caregivers have remained dedicated to offering compassionate care for their families and friends. They have been an essential part of providing necessary services for people most in need, at a time when our health care system was facing unprecedented challenges.
One in three Torontonians are family caregivers, providing compassionate care to a person or persons who need assistance due to a disability, a physical, neurological or mental condition, a chronic illness, frailty or age. These caregivers balance their personal lives and careers with their caregiving duties, which are often unpaid and full-time jobs in themselves.
In lieu of an event at Toronto City Hall, the City of Toronto has partnered with the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) to contribute to a video, featuring a short message from Mayor Tory, showing support for Ontario’s four million caregivers, including those from across Toronto. Watch it here.
In January 2017, Toronto City Council passed a motion to proclaim the first Tuesday in April as “Family Caregiver Day.” Toronto residents are encouraged to visit OntarioCaregiver.ca/CaregiverDay to learn more about what they can do to support caregivers, watch the video created for this year and take to social media to share it using the hashtag #SupportACaregiver2022.
Quotes:
“Family caregivers give so much of themselves to provide support to people with disabilities and those with health conditions or age-related health issues. Through small acts of kindness, we can show our appreciation for family caregivers, which can go a long way. Proclaiming Family Caregiver Day is small way we can let caregivers know that we see them, we appreciate them, and we value the contributions they make. I encourage Torontonians to take time today to thank and appreciate caregivers, especially the ones in their lives.”
– Mayor John Tory
“The City of Toronto recognizes and appreciates the important role of family caregivers. They make many sacrifices to provide support to their loved ones, which can lead to challenges of their own. There is no thank you big enough to convey our appreciation for what family caregivers do.”
– Councillor James Pasternak (York Centre)
“Family caregivers exhibit commitment, selflessness and empathy; often placing the physical and emotional well-being of their loved ones before themselves. They provide necessary services for people most in need and deserve our continued support. To all family caregivers, thank you for what you do.”
– Councillor Josh Matlow (Toronto-St. Paul’s), Toronto’s Seniors Advocate
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.