Many seniors live alone in our community, and too often they also struggle to pay rent and heat, according to NexusBC.
They can afford only basic groceries; fresh fruit and vegetables are too expensive. Medication costs can be high. Hearing aids, dentures and eye glasses are often completely unaffordable. These are the seniors that NexusBC works hard to support.
“Many people in our community know that we help seniors,” says Lee Brinkman with NexusBC. “But few know the extent of our services.”
With the assistance of over 100 volunteers, their services range from home support such as transportation to medical appointments and housecleaning, to free basic tax returns for low income seniors.
Through their compassion fund, they help low income seniors get dentures and hearing aids.
Those that struggle with food security can get help to access affordable local vegetables and fruit, and they host activities to promote social connections through their free seniors’ social club.
They also help seniors fill out applications for benefits and subsidies to make sure seniors are getting everything they are entitled to.
“We are asking the public to donate as part of Giving Tuesday on Dec. 3, to help us support our local seniors,” says Brinkman. “Donations received will go to helping low-income seniors through grocery gift cards, assistance with dentures and hearing aids, good food boxes, programming and more.”
It is donors and funders that enable Vernon’s most treasured community members to be cared for and supported so they can live their very best lives.
GivingTuesday is the world’s largest generosity movement and is considered by many as the opening day of the giving season.
“We have seniors waiting for your support and your gift will be put to work immediately.”
NexusBC is also brightening up the lives of seniors with its Making Spirits Bright campaign.
“For seniors in our community who live alone, are financially challenged and don’t have any relatives nearby, the holidays can be a difficult time,” said Brinkman. “We feel that it is important for us to let seniors know they are not alone this Christmas.”
Individuals, families, schools and businesses are invited to pick up a care box from NexusBC that can be filled with items that a senior would like. Included in the box is a list of suggested items. A personal card is also welcome.
“We also ask that you please include a gift card for groceries,” says Brinkman. “With the increased cost of groceries, seniors are really feeling the pinch and a gift card is incredibly welcome.”
NexusBC encourages parents to get their kids involved.
“Kids can really benefit from helping mom or dad put a care box together for a senior in need,” said Brinkman. “It’s such a great way to cultivate empathy and compassion for others.”
NexusBC handed out 298 care boxes in 2023. Following that, many cards of appreciation were received. One individual said, “Thank you so very much for your thoughts at Christmas. It helped make Christmas more special because I am alone. Please thank the people who gave it to me.”
Boxes can be picked up anytime Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at NexusBC, 102-3201-30th Street. Please return the box by Dec. 10 so there is time to get it to a senior in need.
For more information, visit https://nexusbc.ca/news-and-events/giving-tuesday.
