Mark your calendars—this year, Giving Tuesday falls on December 3rd, and United Way Southern Vancouver Island (UWSVI) is inviting our community to join their mission to improve the lives of local seniors.
As one of Canada’s most senior-dense regions, nearly 23% of southern Vancouver Island’s residents are over the age of 65. By 2025, that number is expected to grow to 25%.
Many seniors in our region face significant challenges, such as poverty, isolation, and malnutrition. In fact, 15% live below the poverty line, and half of those over 80 experience loneliness.
UWSVI’s mission is to change that by supporting programs that allow seniors to age independently, access nutritious food, and build strong social connections.
This Giving Tuesday, UWSVI aims to raise $110,000 to support a network of social service agencies that provide essential programs and resources to seniors.
Donations will go toward initiatives such as Silver Threads’ Food Security for Seniors program, which offers grocery hampers, hygiene kits, and community meals, and the Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group’s Grandparent’s Corner, fostering strong social connections for seniors.
Local donations make an immediate impact
Take Deborah’s story, for example: a senior who received refurbished hearing aids through the Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre’s Sound of Change Initiative, reconnecting her to the sounds and relationships that bring joy to her life.
“I went to get a hearing aid, but the cost was just too much—$3,000 to $4,000. I couldn’t afford it, so I just accepted that this was how my life would be,” said Deborah.
A chance encounter at the bank changed everything. When Deborah apologized to a teller for her hearing difficulty, the teller suggested Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre, which offers free refurbished hearing aids through the Sound of Change program. Deborah decided to follow up.
“All my friends, everybody was so happy. I didn’t have to keep saying ‘Pardon, pardon.’ It was a relief, not just for me, but for everyone around me.”
When Deborah got her hearing aids, the change was instant—she heard her turn signal for the first time in years.
“I hadn’t heard that signal for so long,” she says, smiling. “It took a little adjusting because, you know, you just have to get used to hearing again. But boy, it’s changed. I don’t have to repeat myself all the time, and it’s just made me be able to communicate with people better and socialize a bit more,” added Deborah.
Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre, one of many agencies supported by United Way Southern Vancouver Island, gave Deborah more than hearing aids—they helped restore her connection with the world around her. Without any payment whatsoever.
Thanks to a $50,000 matching gift from Barb and Steve McKerrell, and Lynda and Murray Farmer (OBCs), every dollar donated by Tuesday, December 3rd will be doubled, amplifying your contribution.
By supporting UWSVI, you’re helping fund immediate relief efforts and long-term solutions for seniors. Together, we can ensure that every elder in our community receives the care and dignity they deserve.
Visit uwsvi.ca/givingtuesday to make your donation today.
Let’s make this Giving Tuesday a powerful day of positive change for our region’s seniors.
