A Lower Mainland non-profit has received commendation from the Government of British Columbia for its work in keeping seniors connected through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Seniors Come Share Society has responded to the isolating conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic by relying on technology and those who are more knowledgeable on wielding it. Based in Surrey, the non-profit organization invented a virtual lunch gathering, complete with cooking lessons and a meal delivered to participants’ doors.
A number of the older adults, who the society has served for 43 years, are not as familiar with technology as younger generations. As such, the Seniors Come Share uses “tech buddy” initiatives to help its clients cross that gap. Tech buddies, who are part of volunteer programs at Seniors Come Share, have continued to be in demand during the pandemic.
Louise Tremblay, executive director for Seniors Come Share says this is no surprise, given that so many services have had no choice but to go virtual.
“Digital literacy is one of the opportunities that COVID-19 brought us,” said Tremblay. “It’s an additional way to reach people and gives people the opportunity to connect rather than self-isolate.”
Even before the pandemic, the society offered a program called Seniors Centre Without Walls. The small-group gathers via teleconference and features a mix of trivia, storytelling, music, health information and socializing. Seniors Come Share runs the popular teleconference 50 times a month.
Nicholas Simons, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction recognized the society’s efforts in a recent press release.
“I’m really impressed how the society has been able to adapt its services to reduce social isolation and ensure those vital human-to-human connections continue throughout the pandemic,” said Simons. “Seniors Come Share is just one of over 2,000 community social services agencies that provide vital services.”
Not everything can go virtual though. The loss of the day programs was felt by many of the 500 seniors and their families that Seniors Come Share serves in a typical month. These day programs were provided at its three locations in Surrey and White Rock.
Seniors Come Share relies on diverse sources to fund its work including the Fraser Health Authority, community foundations, the City of Surrey and annual gaming grants. Better At Home, a provincial program funded by the B.C. government and administered by the United Way, also supports Seniors Come Share.
The B.C. government has proclaimed March as Community Social Services Awareness Month in appreciation of the hard work of the over 42,000 people who work in the community social services sector.
