Our CRNs have been busy this February putting their hearts into showing their communities how much they care. Activities this month included care packages to isolated seniors, digital literacy classes, spreading the BC CRN message to new Canadians, as well as fresh updates on health and wellness. Three of our CRNs joined forces on an initiative to raise awareness of intimate partner violence and foster stronger community ties.
January 29th marked the beginning of this year’s Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival. It is one the biggest and most important collaborative events for the Chinese CRN. The holiday is traditionally spread over 15 days and includes many public events marked by lucky lion dances and other cultural traditions. For some older adults, health and mobility issues keep them from being able to leave their homes and join in the fun. The Warmth and Caring Initiative was started in 2019 to provide practical support to low-income seniors and address social isolation. It has become a very special event that many community members look forward to each year.
Thanks to many volunteers, agency representatives and cultural performers, two events were spread across two venues this year for home-bound adults. One hundred thirty gift packs filled with festive foods, essential items and elder abuse resources were delivered to immobile residents at Pender Residence and China Villa. Thanks to community partners: Pender Residence (SUCCESS), China Villa (Christ Church of China), MOSAIC, CHIMO, ISS of BC, CCM Vancouver Centre, VLMFSS, MOSAIC Seniors Club, SUCCESS Calligraphy Club (Fai Chun), the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) drama group and Alzheimer’s Society of B.C.
Image captions: Chinese CRN Lunar New Year celebrations. Photo credit: Daisy Au.
The APNI South Asian CRN hosted a Dental Health & Wellness Day for Surrey community members. Over 132 attendees heard from various health and dental service representatives. Speakers covered many topics, including the new Canadian dental plan, senior safety, advanced care planning, health insurance and home care services. Guests heard presentations in both English and Hindi, and resource materials were available from all representatives, including BC CRN hand-outs on abuse, neglect and self-neglect. Many thanks to each service provider representative and the many volunteers who helped set up information tables and refreshments.
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Image captions: APNI CRN Dental Health & Wellness Day. Photo credits: Heather Treleaven, Girja Shankar Sharma.
The Cowichan CRN has been co-hosting a series of 10 digital literacy workshops for local residents to help increase knowledge and confidence in navigating the internet. Attendees have been learning how to use various digital devices and access day-to-day services online. All workshop sessions begin with a time of socialization and snacks, followed by local experts who present various topics while volunteers lend any needed one-on-one support. Learning to use digital devices confidently is crucial to preventing social isolation and many types of abuse. Session topics have included health services, online security and safety issues (banking, shopping and phishing), connecting with others using video (Zoom, Facetime) and general knowledge of how to choose and download new apps. Attendees are encouraged to bring their personal devices to help with specific learning support when possible. Thanks to community partners: Literacy Now Cowichan, Vancouver Island Regional Library, EPIC and many other senior-serving partners in the Cowichan region.
The Victoria CRN had a busy month. Their annual Have a Heart initiative is one of their biggest but most meaningful endeavours. This year volunteers assembled 400 gift bags, each one included a heart-shaped cookie, a Valentine’s card printed with contact numbers and a variety of promotional materials. The gift bags were delivered to recipients at eight different seniors centres around the Greater Victoria Area.
Image caption: Victoria CRN Have a Heart Event. Photo credit: Gabi Townsend.
The District of Saanich put on a fun event to welcome new Canadians in the community. The CRN hosted an information and resource table, alongside a variety of vendors, food trucks and several other not-for-profit organizations. The event was designed to connect and familiarize new immigrants and refugees with information and organizations that provide support and services. BC CRN members were able to share the message of being safe from abuse, neglect and self-neglect from a Canadian perspective.
The Coquitlam North, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody CRNs collaborated on a coordinated community outreach and engagement campaign: Intimate Partner Violence Awareness. Billboard and bus stop ad spaces were purchased in each city and a few information events were held in partnership with representatives from the RCMP, Port Moody Police, Service Canada and Canada Revenue Agency to educate attendees about abuse, neglect, fraud and taxes. The campaign wrapped up with a fun bowling and pizza party to facilitate connections which reduce social isolation.
Image caption: Billboard ad of Intimate Partner Violence Awareness campaign. Photo credit: Ken Kuhn, Regional Mentor Fraser Valley West.
Learn and Connect With Us
From September through May on the first Tuesday of each month, BC CRN hosts an online workshop featuring one of our four main programs. The next one is our Introduction to Extreme Clutter presentation on March 4, 2025.
We also feature regular Provincial Learning Events (PLE) . We are always on the lookout for relevant topics and resources to help navigate current issues impacting older and vulnerable adults and welcome your suggestions!
- February’s PLE featured Lisa Dawson, Vice President of Independent Long-Term Care Councils Association of BC. Participants learned about the rights and regulations of long-term care residents and their families. Watch our past webinars on-demand here.
Visit the Events page to learn more and register for upcoming webinars. To request a presentation, see the Programs page or email programs@bccrns.ca.
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Explore our website to learn more about BC CRN or connect with your local CRN for more information or resources.
