Earlier this month the VPD’s Finance Department was at it again packaging and delivering large gift bags of essentials to independent living and low-income seniors in Vancouver. In partnership with the Vancouver Police Foundation, S.U.C.C.E.S.S., London Drugs and the Tong and Geraldine Louie Foundation, these incredible gift bags contained home essentials, toiletries & cold weather gear, as well as hand-written notes of warm wishes from the VPD finance staff. They were provided to deserving seniors at a time of year that can be particularly difficult for those who live alone. After spending weeks curating and packaging the large gift bags, the Finance Department was on-hand to personally deliver the bags to more than 60 seniors.
“Through this initiative, we want to let these independent living seniors know that they are not forgotten,” says Davina Chung of the VPD Finance Dept. “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.”
With the COVID-19 pandemic bearing down and forcing most seniors into isolation for nearly two years now, Davina and her colleagues sought to support those who live alone and who have little assistance from family. They turned to the Vancouver Police Foundation to help provide funding for this initiative. With the support of our generous donors, including Pam Burns and Dale Boniface, we were able to say YES to this important funding request earlier this year. Davina and her colleagues also partnered with S.U.C.C.E.S.S. to identify individuals who need the most support.
It is more important than ever to support seniors in our community,” says Dale Boniface. “Our seniors are on an extremely limited income with minimal access to resources. More and more are living in isolation than ever before. It is important for Pam and I to do what we can to provide care and essentials to this community. We are proud to support the Vancouver Police Foundation and the Vancouver Police Department finance team as we all endeavour to make a difference for low-income seniors across Vancouver.”
Thanks to donors like Pam and Dale, this isn’t the first time the VPD Finance Department has shown kindness to Vancouver seniors through this initiative. In July they visited the residents at Solheim Place and distributed more than 50 hampers full of groceries and toiletries.
“To our team, this is more than just about providing seniors with gift bags,” says Davina. “The seniors come from different backgrounds and have different experiences to share. We have so much to benefit by learning from their life stories. To meet and spend some time connecting with the seniors is truly rewarding and humbling.”
Looking ahead to 2022, Davina and her colleagues are eager to continue curating and delivering these impactful packages to many more deserving seniors in Vancouver.
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.
