More Alberta seniors have access to devices connecting them to loved ones, thanks to the efforts of Project Joy. The brainchild of a Spruce Grove mom, gently-used iPads, cell phones and laptops are getting in the hands of seniors in care homes across Alberta, providing much-needed social connectedness for seniors and their families.
"We felt for the seniors during quarantine, with no visitors allowed, but who still needed to stay connected for their emotional health," said Emily Jenks, who named the volunteer-run non-profit organization after her granny, Joy. "She passed away seven years ago after spending her last years in long term care. I was very close to her, and can't imagine how it would be to not be able to see her at such a scary time."
Jenks and her three children (her 'youth ambassadors') wanted to do something to ease the burden faced by seniors during the pandemic--but what? Seeing her own family's older devices laying around the house, Jenks said "I just put out a call on social media for people to send in their old devices and we'd give them to the local seniors home. We got 12 right away, and things grew from there. We're at 100 devices donated, and counting."
In just a few months, Project Joy has grown to include a board of volunteers and businesses to aid the cause of collecting devices and distributing them to seniors facilities. These include Rapid Boost & RJ Systems, which help with the marketing and technology side of things, and Speedy Glass locations, which collect devices.
From the start, RJ Systems has ensured donated devices meet minimum requirements for functionality and privacy prior to distributing them to care centres. A full list of device requirements is at projectjoy.ca. Examples of accepted devices are iPhone generation 5 and newer, iPad generation 3 and beyond, and android devices that are less than four years old.
Copper Sky Lodge, a 135-resident assisted living facility in Spruce Grove, was the first to receive donations of devices from Project Joy earlier this year. Recreation therapist Joannie Robertson said she and her team have been scheduling face time visits with families and managing devices along with residents.
"These are user-friendly, easy devices, but for some residents, their family members are older too, so we figure it out together. We usually work with the grandkids to get everyone on board," said Robertson. "Face time is the magic. We've realized that even when the pandemic is over, this type of family connection will be part of the new normal."
Through the holidays, London Drugs has also stepped up to collect devices at 22 locations around the province. "It's taking the project to a whole new level. London Drugs will sanitize and factory reset the devices, which will be donated in their local communities," Jenks added.
Going forward, Project Joy also aims to donate devices to other vulnerable groups--homeless and women's shelters among them.
"It's a simple thing--to be able to connect--but it can bring so much comfort and joy. That's our mission."
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