Did you know that Greater Victoria has one of the country’s highest numbers of seniors over the age of 65?
And on top of that, it’s reported that half of people over the age of 80 feel lonely.
Many seniors in the Capital Regional District (CRD) are already experiencing extreme loneliness and isolation, malnutrition or food insecurity, mobility issues and limited income that greatly impacts their physical, mental and emotional well-being.
This was compounded further by the COVID-19 pandemic, which many found isolating, but was especially so for seniors.
Seniors’ isolation is not often talked about but it is very real, and it is especially prevalent in Victoria; but thankfully, United Way has put programs in place to help.
Thanks to their More than Meals program, seniors are getting healthy meals delivered to their homes. Not only that – they are receiving critically important social visits and connections.
Since launching in May 2020, the program has grown from delivering 200 meals a week to 1,500 meals a week for seniors in the CRD.
$20 is all it takes to provide a senior in your community with two nutritious meals and a visit from a volunteer.
To help you treat your favourite senior, we’ve partnered with United Way to give one lucky winner a $50 Peninsula Co-op gift card—and you’ll find those contest details below!
United Way Southern Vancouver Island has launched their Help A Neighbour campaign, which connects local needs with local hearts—like the isolated seniors who need our help most.
The campaign features an interactive map, allowing people to look up their community—where local data will show information on how neighbours in your community may face additional barriers.
You can see right on the map how much good you can do by supporting your neighbours, through programs and initiatives powered locally by United Way.
You can make a donation today knowing that you’re changing a senior’s life. Donors have the option to contribute to other causes they care about as well, from addressing local food insecurity to supporting local mental health programs.
United Way looks to raise $300,000 to fund critical services and supports in the community, and the impact of this fund could reach 15,000 individuals in our region—you can donate here.
Don’t forget to sign up for United Way’s newsletter to stay connected to your community and find out how you can help your neighbours when they need it most!
CONTEST
For a chance to WIN a $50 Peninsula Co-op gift card, complete one or more of the following:
- SHARE this post on Facebook and/or Twitter and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
- LIKE United Way Southern Vancouver Island on Facebook and comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
- FOLLOW United Way Southern Vancouver Island on Instagram and comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from the time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. on June 27th. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they used to enter.
United Way’s Help a Neighbour Campaign
Donate online here
