World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2025 was an inspiring and action-packed time across British Columbia. Communities from every corner of the province found creative ways to shine a light on elder abuse, neglect, and self-neglect, while also celebrating the strength and resilience of older adults. We have summarized just a few highlights drawn from the stories and photos submitted through the BC CRN website form.
The Surrey Immigrant Seniors (PICS) CRN hosted a Senior Wellness & Fitness session that brought more than 40 community members together. The morning featured gentle exercise, stretching, and light weight training designed for all fitness levels. The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, helping older adults strengthen both body and social connections. This event demonstrated how accessible fitness opportunities can empower vulnerable adults to embrace healthy lifestyles in a supportive community.
The Vancouver Indigenous CRN hosted a lively Elders’ Bingo on Main Street. Beyond the fun and games, bingo caller Cheryl Dics shared a thoughtful presentation on WEAAD, sparking important dialogue about protecting vulnerable adults. Joy and laughter combined with awareness can be an impactful opportunity to weave elder-focused education into social gatherings.
The Fort St. John CRN took a powerful stand by raising the flag and issuing a WEAAD 2025 proclamation. Despite rainy weather, the visible act of solidarity underscored the community’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding older adults from abuse and neglect. Public displays like these elevate awareness and send a clear message: protecting seniors is a shared responsibility that demands visibility and action.
The Terrace CRN brought elder protection into focus during National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations in Terrace. Recognizing the importance of intergenerational education, they engaged youth directly, handing out bracelets and sparking conversations about financial scams and the principles of “See Something, Say Something.” By equipping young people with awareness and tools to advocate for elders, prevention and protection begin with education at every age.
The Campbell River CRN hosted a well-attended Seniors Info and Open House at the Community Centre. With 19 local service providers offering interactive displays and nearly 120 participants, the event highlighted the power of action and collaboration. Both community organizations and local businesses came together to connect seniors with vital resources. This gathering showed how partnerships are key to reducing isolation and ensuring that older adults live safely with dignity, and respect.
The APNI South Asian CRN collaborated with the City of Surrey for a Seniors Resource Fair, featuring city volunteers and RCMP to connect older adults with essential local services. By providing information and fostering community engagement, this CRN helped seniors navigate resources that support independence, promote well-being, and protect isolated individuals from the risk of experiencing abuse, neglect, or self-neglect.
The Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Katzie CRN hosted a Purple Pancake Breakfast in recognition of WEAAD. Nearly 100 community members gathered to enjoy pancakes with blueberry sauce, sausages, and coffee, while also receiving valuable information on elder abuse prevention. Thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Golden Ears for cooking and the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 88 for providing the space. This event beautifully combined nourishment with education. By creating a warm, welcoming environment, this CRN successfully empowered older adults while simultaneously promoting safety and dignity.
For the Vancouver South Granville CRN, the “To Care is to Love” gathering brought together Latin American seniors, service providers, and local organizations for a heartfelt event focused on elder abuse awareness. Attendees shared resources, built connections, and strengthened support networks, emphasizing that respect, safety, and dignity for older adults is a shared responsibility. Culturally tailored programs that reach vulnerable communities are important for ensuring all seniors feel valued and protected.
These stories reflect just a fraction of the incredible work taking place across BC to strengthen communities and end adult abuse, neglect, and self-neglect. If your CRN hosts an event or activity for your community, we’d love to hear about it. Please use our Event Photos and Stories Form to share your submissions so we can continue to amplify the impact being made in communities throughout the province.
