March of Dimes Canada is shining a light on a crisis of isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting 6.2 million people in Canada who live with disabilities. The organization is launching an emergency campaign to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities, and to raise funds for urgently-needed online and telephone-based programs and services, in the wake of postponing its spring and summer fundraising events. 

People with disabilities frequently live socially isolated lives. To counter this isolation, March of Dimes Canada plays a vital role in offering programs to help people live as independently as possible, while providing opportunities for learning, skill development and social connection with a community of peers. Usually held in accessible locations in the community, these workshops, one-on-one sessions and larger gatherings are often the only face-to-face contact people have with others in a day or week.

With the theme “Conquer the Curve“, the campaign demonstrates how the COVID curve has created an almost insurmountable barrier between people with disabilities and their communities. March of Dimes Canada is hoping people will use their personal COVID-19 experience and understanding of what isolation feels like to make a decision to support the campaign.