Many seniors across the South Okanagan Similkameen depend on the support of community agencies to help them live their lives to the fullest. But delivering that support can be challenging in tough economic times, especially in small communities like Keremeos. 

“In 2022, our services for seniors were struggling financially,” says Sarah Martin, Executive Director at Lower Similkameen Community Services Society in Keremeos. “We had to restrict their availability or draw down our financial reserves just to keep them going,” 

Those services received a welcome financial boost in early 2023, courtesy of a Foundation grant provided through the John and Doreen Wisenden Fund. The grant will be used by the society to support programs like Better at Home, their volunteer driver service, and Tech Savvy Similkameen. 

Better at Home assists seniors with light housekeeping and yard work, giving them the flexibility to stay in their own homes longer. Volunteer drivers provide transportation to seniors unable to travel on their own, allowing them to attend medical appointments and go on shopping errands. Tech Savvy Similkameen offers technical literacy and cyber security education for seniors, helping to keep them safe and connected online. 

“Each of these services is important to ensuring our seniors can live happily, safely and independently in our community,” says Sarah. “We’re thankful the Foundation acted on the opportunity to help sustain them through its grant program.”

To learn more about the Lower Similkameen Community Services Society, visit their website here.