Seniors living in poverty Support Kits
Toronto, Canada 2016
According to Statistics Canada, there are more than 354,000 seniors in Toronto. The 2011 census found that 95,205 of them were living alone. Statistics Canada also indicated that the number of senioprs living below their low-income cut-off has jumped 25 percent between 2007 to 2008 to 250,000 up from 204,000.
Recent news reports quote economists who say women represent over 80% of the increase in seniors’ poverty. People Bridge hosted a session in 2014 titled “Is the Golden Age Still Golden” with speaker Mary T. Hynes highlighting the plight of seniors in the GTA, based on a recent study by the City of Toronto. This was our major focus in 2015 with a major fundraising event planned and development of seniors ‘support kits’ to provide those most needy with special products and services.
People Bridge developed an emergency Kit for seniors living poverty in the GTA, a growing area and most of whom are women. The Kit was based on discussions with community experts and reviewing GTA city documents in this area. The Kits contained several items needed in an emergency situation such as Medical and family information, health card information, first aid items, hand warmers, emergency ponchos, crank based flashlights and radio, gloves, nightsticks and food bars.
Kits were distributed through senior’s support service organizations and with much effort Sponsors came forward and we want to thank them.
A special recognition goes out to Shoppers Drug Mart.
