The countdown has begun to prepare for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), June 15, 2024. WEAAD is BC CRN’s hallmark awareness and advocacy event, when we ask all British Columbians to stand up for the rights of older and vulnerable adults. Here is a short summary of what WEAAD is, the significance of the iris and ideas on how to celebrate the day.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
WEAAD was initiated by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) in 2006, and officially recognized as a United Nations Day by the General Assembly in December 2011. WEAAD is now celebrated around the world in many diverse ways.
Canada’s WEAAD 2024’s slogan is “bOLD: Age with Attitude” and we are excited to note this year June 15th falls on a Saturday, hopefully enabling our CRNs event planners to potentially engage with more people in their communities.
The Story of the Purple Iris
The purple iris flower is BC CRN’s official symbol for WEAAD and represents the promise for communities to shine a light on the issues of abuse and neglect of older adults and help our populations most vulnerable live with dignity. Believed to be imported and immortalized by Egyptian king Thutmose III when he conquered Syria in 1749 BCE, the iris represents hope, wisdom, courage, faith and admiration. The purple iris has been found in Greek mythology, used as a symbol of royalty throughout history and is presently the national flower of France as represented by the fleur-de-lis.
Get Ready: Things to Do
Put on the purple! Purple is the official colour of WEAAD so pull out your purple ribbons, shirts, hats, accessories, flowers, balloons and other decorations.
Register for the national webinar event: June 12th beginning at 9:30am PDT. BC CRN will once again be co-hosting this online webinar with a spectacular line-up of speakers from many other participating agencies and organizations including Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario, the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and CanAge.
WEAAD campaign activity ideas include:
- Asking your city hall or other public buildings to be lit up in purple
- Setting up public information tables in front of stores or businesses
- Host an event to deliver one of our programs to spread awareness and distribute referral information
- Connect with vulnerable adults through food delivery
- Run a photo contest
- Hold a safety check clinic for mobility equipment
Events Planned Around the Province
Many of our CRNs have already scheduled events throughout the month of June. Here are a few examples of where our dedicated advocates will show up:
- Kaslo CRN: Poster campaign around town & hosting a table at the local market
- Smithers CRN: Organizing an Awareness Walk parade with the high school band through the main street of town, ending with speakers and refreshments in the square
- Prince George CRN: Hoisting of the WEAAD flag at city hall where local officials and community partners will be in attendance, followed by a lunch and learn
- Golden CRN: Hosting a high tea event to spread awareness and hand out resource referrals to local seniors and volunteers of local service organizations
- Boundary CRN: Hosting a Seniors Wellness Fair in Grand Forks in partnership with local civil and service organizations
- New Westminster CRN: Sponsoring the Seniors Services Society’s age-friendly Walk of Ages to raise awareness of the challenges of low-income and isolated seniors. Other community partners include BC Housing and Bria Communities. Breakfast provided by the New Westminster Legion Branch #2.
Share Your Event
You can share your event with us and the global community by using the hashtags #WEAAD2024, #BCCRNWEAAD2024 and #AgeWithAttitude. Tag us through Facebook @BC Community Response Networks, through the online report form or email us your stories and pictures.
For more ideas and a list of events some of our CRNs are working on, visit the WEAAD Information & Resources for CRNs, the WEAAD Canada website, or check out what we did last year.
Explore our website to learn more about BC CRN or connect with your local CRN for more information or resources.
