Amica HELPING HANDS, Supporting Seniors in Need
The most in need are often the most invisible. Sadly, seniors living in Canada on or below the Low Income Cut Offs (LICO) are more invisible than most disadvantaged groups in society.Because many of these seniors also live alone, suffer declining health, increased frailty and lack of mobility, they remain isolated, lonely and invisible to the rest of society.
Amica employees and residents reach out to local seniors
In December, 2001, a group of Amica Mature Lifestyles employees reached out to a handful of disadvantaged seniors in their local community.
It was just weeks to the holiday and the group had been told that these particular seniors would have nothing and no one to share it with. With quickly gathered contributions from Amica residents, fellow employees and management, baskets packed with non-perishable foods and warm blankets were delivered to the seniors just in time for the holiday.
Amica HELPING HANDS(tm)
So impressed by their employees’ empathy and the obvious need for such an initiative, Amica decided to get involved corporately.
One year later, in 2002, this collective act of kindness and support was officially registered as the Amica HELPING HANDS Community Program.
10th anniversary
Now in its tenth year, the Program has delivered to date a total of 8,500 baskets with an approximate value of $75.00 each to underprivileged seniors across Canada.
Gala— November 2nd
Since that first impromptu fundraising drive, Amica HELPING HANDS has raised and donated over $1 million directly to seniors in need. Events such as golf tournaments and gala dinners hosted in Vancouver and Toronto, as well as local Amica retirement residence drives across the country have garnered support and donations from both corporations and individuals alike. This year’s major fundraising event Gala 2011, will take place on November 2 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver, BC.
Tickets
Tickets for the evening can be purchased by visiting Amica's website or via email at [email protected].
Donations
Donations to the Amica HELPING HANDS Community Program are always needed and gratefully received. Please help shine a light on the plight of this truly disadvantaged and invisible segment of society.
by Susan Gerard
