Portage Service for Seniors is inviting the community to its annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) to-go lunch fundraiser on Friday, June 13.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the west side of the Herman Prior Activity Centre parking lot and aims to raise both funds and awareness for an often overlooked issue.
Food, raffles and purple ribbons
Lunch is available for $10 and includes a roasted turkey or egg salad sandwich, dessert, a drink, and a bag of chips. Attendees can also take part in a raffle. Tickets are $10 for a sheet of 25 or $5 for 10—and a 50/50 draw at $5 per ticket.
In addition to the lunch and draws, the organization is also selling tickets for a Father’s Day raffle featuring a Milwaukee tool bundle that includes a 16-inch string trimmer and blower.
Tickets will be available on-site and at Portage Co-op in the days leading up to the draw.
The official color for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is purple. This color is widely recognized as a symbol of solidarity and support in the fight against elder abuse. Everyone is encouraged to wear purple to show support.
Purple ribbons will also be handed out during the June 13 fundraising event.
Bringing the issue to light
WEAAD is recognized globally on June 15, but since the date falls on a weekend this year, the local fundraiser is taking place on the Friday prior.
“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a day dedicated to acknowledging the importance of addressing and preventing abuse and neglect of older adults,” says Kaylee Hannah, executive director of Portage Service for Seniors. “It has been identified that the mistreatment of older adults is a violation of internationally recognized human rights.”
The day serves as an opportunity for education, conversation, and visibility around the often hidden issue of elder abuse.
Understanding elder abuse
Hannah explains that elder abuse takes many forms, including financial, emotional, physical, sexual abuse, neglect, and the violation of rights and freedoms. The organization will have brochures, pamphlets, and resources from Prevent Elder Abuse Manitoba (PEAM) available at the event.
“For example, financial abuse… signs of that could be if somebody tricks or threatens or persuades an older adult out of their money or property or their possessions,” explained Hannah.
She adds that emotional abuse may involve insults, threats or intimidation, while physical abuse includes rough handling or hitting. She also points to neglect as another major issue, such as when a caregiver fails to provide necessities like food, clothing or medical care.
Support for seniors in the community
Funds raised from the lunch will go directly toward efforts to support seniors experiencing abuse and to expand education initiatives within the community.
Proceeds from the Father’s Day raffle will support the organization’s broader programming.
“Our mandate is to assist seniors in maintaining an independent lifestyle and staying in their own homes for as long as possible,” she adds. “So raising awareness and providing education are essential necessities for us to achieve this goal.”
As per the last census, there are 4,340 seniors over the age of 55 years in Portage la Prairie, which is over a third of the population.
If you need help
- Seniors Abuse Support Line: 1-888-896-7183
- Winnipeg Emergency: 911
- Winnipeg Police Non-Emergency: 204-986-6222
More information and educational resources are available at peam.ca.