July 14, 2011– Communities across Canada came together to help Comfort Keepers® collect approximately 900 lbs. of food and $1,496 in cash donations through its STOP Senior Hunger food drive for local seniors in need during June, Seniors Month. “In several communities across Canada we asked for food and cash donations to help local seniors and raise awareness of the growing epidemic of senior hunger and malnutrition. People came through with open arms,” said Peter Drutz, President of Comfort Keepers Canada. “It is obvious the people of Canada care about helping our elders, and with this kind of support, we will be able to help our senior neighbors live healthy, independent lives by getting the food and nutrition they need." Comfort Keepers partnered with local grocery store chains, the Chamber of Commerce and the Food Bank to collect food and distribute information flyers during Seniors Month in June.
“There are many factors involved in malnutrition, and hunger is just one of those,” said Drutz. “We hope this campaign helped people to understand the depth and seriousness of the malnutrition problem among seniors and how it impacts families beyond just food security and availability.”Hunger can lead to malnutrition and other serious health problems in seniors. Malnutrition is the result of the body not absorbing enough nutrients – which can be caused by hunger or other factors, including lack of interest in eating, loneliness, dental problems or the side effects of medication. For seniors, malnutrition means the potential for increased hospital stays, increased health complications, early entry into assisted living or premature death.In response to a growing need for awareness about senior hunger, the Comfort Keepers system has launched a nationwide campaign called STOP Senior Hunger to create awareness for the importance of a healthy diet for those 65 and over. This senior nutrition campaign aims to help seniors preserve their independence by providing diet and nutrition information, encouragement and necessities
About Comfort Keepers®
Comfort Keepers® is a leading franchise network in the in-home care market for senior and other adults needing care. Since its founding in 1998, the company has grown to more than 650 franchised locations around the world by staying true to the founders' goal of providing in-home care services that allow clients the opportunity to age in place. In August of 2009, the brand was strengthened even further by the purchase of the franchisor, CK Franchising, Inc., by Sodexo, one of the world's leading food and facilities management services companies and the global leader in the health care and seniors markets.
