Providing a helping hand in times of crisis

STAR STAFF — Like many other bedroom communities in Canada, Orléans has its share of residents who, for various reasons, need help in times of crisis.

Whether they are experiencing financial hardship, are new arrivals to Canada or victims of domestic abuse, residents in need have not one, but two agencies they can turn to in times of need.

The Orléans Cumberland Community Resource Centre (OCCRC), located on Centrum Boulevard in Orléans Town Centre, serves residents living in the former municipality of Cumberland which includes Queenswood Heights, Fallingbrook, Cardinal Creek, Orléans Wood, Chatelaine Village and Avalon, while the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre (EORC), located in the Gloucester Centre on Blair Road, serves residents living in the former municipality of Gloucester, which includes the communities of Beacon Hill, Blackburn Hamlet, Chateauneuf, Chapel Hill and Convent Glen.

Both resource centres provide services and programs for youth, teenagers and families and both agencies operate an Early Years drop-in centre.

In addition, the EORC provides services and programs for seniors and adults with physical disabilities in both jurisdictions including Meals on Wheels.

The OCCRC also operates a food bank which provides emergency food supplies for individuals and families.

The EORC refers those in need of emergency food supplies to the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard located at 2040 Arrowsmith Dr. which operates under the same rules.

Both resources centres are able to provide services to residents in need thanks in large part to the generosity and dedication of dozens of donors, and community groups which hold fundraising events throughout the year.

The OCCRC has several programs in which local businesses and individuals can contribute directly to the agency, the biggest being the Community Caring Connection program in which donors can either make a lump some donation, or a monthly contribution through a direct payment plan.

Like the OCCRC, the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre is largely dependent on third party fundraising efforts. They also organize their own fundraising events, the biggest of which is their charity auction and dinner held every spring.

You can learn more about the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre and the programs the agency provides at www.eorc-creo.ca.

Cumberland Com-

Resource Centre’s website can be found at www.crcoc.ca.