SOS continues to take care of local seniors through the COVID-19 crisis thanks to support from the community and our partners.

“Without my prescription I can’t sleep at night, I have terrible nightmares,” said Valdis, a SOS Seniors’ Advocacy Services (SAS) client. “I’ve got other medications that are covered by PharmaCare, but that particular medication isn’t, and I just didn’t have the coin to buy it.”

Valdis was able to purchase his medication after speaking with Seniors’ Advocacy Services Coordinator Dawn Barry.

Recently, SOS received a $5,000 grant for the SAS program from the United Way Central & Northern Vancouver Island’s COVID-19 Seniors Response Fund, funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

SOS Seniors’ Advocacy Services provides assistance to seniors over the phone, emergency vouchers for food and medicine, it helps residents access various government benefits, and more.

Heather accessed the program after her car broke down and she was dealing with health issues. “If  I didn’t get that help, I’d probably be living on the street,” she said. “I’ve lost weight and I’d probably be in the hospital or something. That little bit of help goes a long way. Programs like this are very essential. ”

If you are a local (District 69) senior and need support, call SOS at 250-248-2093.