Davina Chung has been an Accountant with the Vancouver Police Department’s Finance Section for six years and in that time, she and her colleagues have generously supported many local families through each holiday season. They have supported the VPD Cadet Program and have also purchased groceries and necessities for local families that had been victims of domestic violence. This year, they turned their focus to helping Vancouver’s seniors – an often forgotten and overlooked segment of vulnerable individuals and couples.
With the COVID-19 pandemic bearing down and forcing most seniors into isolation for the last 15 months, Davina and her colleagues endeavoured to support those who live alone without much existing outside assistance from family. They turned to S.U.C.C.E.S.S. to identify individuals who may need the support; and now, they are going to purchase and deliver basic groceries, toiletries and supplies to these independently living seniors outside of the holiday season.
“As a group, we are always looking for ways to give back to the community,” says Davina. “Seniors who live independently are often forgotten. They have access to very limited resources. Many are also challenged to navigate and access technology, financial assistance, as well as mental health and wellness programs.”
Each individual circumstance will have varying needs that Davina and her colleagues will do their best to address and support. Some seniors need staple groceries while others may require socks, toiletries or cleaning supplies. The purpose overall is to ensure that individual needs are being met.
The motivation for this project came from the fact that the coronavirus pandemic has caused even the most functional, thriving members of society to become overwhelmed and anxious – feels which are experienced exponentially by seniors who are living on their own.
Through this initiative, we want to let these independent living seniors know that they are not forgotten” says Davina. “We want to be able to provide them with some necessities that will help meet their minimum quality of life. With that, we hope it will improve their physical and mental wellness.”
Working together to achieve this common charitable goal has not only brought the VPD Finance staff closer together, but it also has increased their own mental well-being and happiness in the process. There is a Chinese proverb that Davina and her team stand behind: If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.
“Thank you to Vancouver Police Foundation and the donors for their generous donation to make this initiative a reality.” – Davina Chung.
The Vancouver Police Foundation supports programs and initiatives that fall under one of four pillars: Youth Programs, Mental Health & Addictions, Community Outreach & Engagement, and Technology & Special Equipment. You can help build a safer Vancouver by donating to the Vancouver Police Foundation.
