There's a growing demographic of people finding themselves in need of help - but often with little help or resources to turn to.
Burnaby Christmas Bureau executive director Stephen D'Souza says seniors are
increasingly in need of help from their community, but often aren't sure where to get it - or don't want to be a burden on those around them.
"We're really trying to reach out to seniors - there's a real increase to the number of seniors who are homebound, who have maybe lost a spouse and are struggling, or are new to Canada and don't know how to get support or resources," he told the NOW.
As to why that increase is happening, D'Souza says it's a combination of factors.
"There's a change in the family composition - there's a lot of 'sandwich generation' people, who are raising kids and also have senior parents, and those parents don't want to be a burden on their kids, so they don't say when they need help.
"There's also new immigrants without that support network - they're doing the best they can, but they don't have the connections. Maybe they're caregiving for grandchildren but they have no social connections.
"There's also the simple fact that the cost of living has gone up and seniors are on fixed incomes - housing costs can be huge. They may be feeling that crunch but they don't want to leave the family home, the place they raised their kids."
To help address the issue, the bureau started up a seniors hamper program several years ago. Sponsors assemble food hampers,
including Christmas "goodies" and groceries, and then deliver them to the seniors' homes.
D'Souza notes the program is for seniors aged 65 and older, who either live alone or only with a spouse (not extended family). Many seniors are referred through local service agencies, like Progressive Housing Society, but others can self-refer by filling out an application, and providing a T1 General 2011, a Notice of Assessment 2011, and proof of residency.
Registration must be done by Dec. 10.
For those hoping to sponsor, D'Souza says it's a wonderful program to participate in and it's easy to get involved.
Sponsors are matched with a senior and then find out if their match has any food restrictions or allergies and then purchase the food for the hamper and deliver it by Dec. 19.
The average cost of a food hamper should be a minimum of $80; sponsors can register to be matched with one or more seniors.
"It's a wonderful connection, to take the time to meet and share some Christmas joy - that social connection can be really powerful," said D'Souza.
In all, the bureau expects to have about 100 seniors registered with the hamper program this year.
Call the bureau at 604-299-5778 and talk to the seniors hamper program coordinator to get registered or sign up to be a sponsor.
The bureau's main program of providing toys for low-income families is continuing to run this year. Keep an eye on upcoming editions of the NOW for more information on how to get involved.
A gala evening
There's still time to purchase tickets to the upcoming Fill a Stocking, Fulfill a Wish dinner fundraiser, happening on Nov. 22.
Tickets are $55 each and include dinner and entertainment, and a variety of live and silent auctions will be taking place during the event (including a wine auction), set to be held at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown.
For tickets, call 604-2995778.
Register now
Low-income families in Burnaby are now able to register at the bureau's main temporary location in Brentwood Town Centre, and at two satellite locations. This year, the bureau will not be giving out grocery gift cards.
The Brentwood centre office and toy room (located on the lower level, near the Sears mall entrance) will be open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The satellite locations include Cameron Recreation Centre on Mondays from 9: 30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Eastburn Community Centre (the old library) on Wednesdays from 9: 30 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Registrants will need to have a current income assistance cheque stub or two current pay cheques or employment insurance stubs, child tax benefit information or Care Card or birth certificates for each child, and proof of residency (phone bill, tenancy agreement, etc.) Those who don't have cheque stubs can bring their 2011 T1 general and 2011 notice of assessment. Additional paperwork may be required for those new to Canada and those on student loans.
See www.burnabycom munityconnections.com for full details.
Anyone interested in helping the bureau this year can do so in a variety of ways: through financial or toy donations, through the angel project, through family sponsorship, or by participating in one of a number of upcoming fundraising events. Keep an eye on the Burnaby NOW for more details on all of these efforts in the coming weeks.
Find the bureau
- In person: find the Christmas Bureau returns to Brentwood Town Centre this year, with a temporary office and toy room location near the Sears mall entrance. It's open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
- Website: get all the information about the bureau online at www.burnabycommunityconnections. com.
- By phone: Want to talk to someone about registration, signing up for the angel project or make a toy donation? Call 604-2995778.
- On Twitter: Stay connected all the time with the bureau online by following them @BurnabyConnect.
BURNABY COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Burnaby Christmas Bureau
OUR GOAL $210,000
So far this year $68,000
Setting goals: The Burnaby Christmas Bureau has predicted it will need $210,000 to fulfill this year's campaign. So far, they're at an estimated $68,098.
The bureau provides toys for children from low-income families, matches families with sponsors, and gives hampers for seniors in need. Registration is on now for families and seniors.
cmyers@ burnabynow.com
