Lonely seniors die sooner

When seniors suffer from isolation, we all lose as the health care system must cope with the growing demand for support.

Facts:

• Isolation can be painful and lead to an early death.
• Roughly 1 in 4 seniors in Metro Vancouver lives alone. Most are women.
• Almost half of all seniors in BC have a disability, impacting on their mobility and increasing their risk of isolation.

You can do something about it

Consider supporting Vancouver Coastal Health’s 2013 United Way campaign. United Way actively works within communities inside and beyond VCH to address areas like poverty, child development, bullying and care for seniors. Thanks to the ongoing donations from VCH employees and other organizations across the Lower Mainland, United Way has been able to successfully change the lives of countless people of all ages.

The VCH campaign is now underway and while we may not have the same high profile kick off and fundraising events that others manage, that does not reduce or commitment or call for support.

If you’ve supported United Way in past years, you will receive a letter reminding you of your contribution and asking you to consider pledging again this year. Those letters were sent this week so if are a previous donor and did not receive one, please let me know.

Two ways to give

1. With your credit card on the secure United Way website 

2. By payroll deduction using the printable pledge form *

* IMPORTANT: If you are using the printable pledge form, do not detach the bottom section.

Please complete and send the whole form to:

Kaye McMahon
Communications & Public Affairs
400 – 520 West 6th Ave.
Vancouver BC  V5Z 4H5

More about United Way

Your support helps the United Way of the Lower Mainland provide much needed supports to thousands of at-risk children, seniors and parents. Nutritious meals and housing—the very basics—are made available through United Way programs. These supports, in turn, help our clients and patients.

While you can let United Way decide how best to serve people in need through your donation, you also have the choice to nominate a charity or organization of your choice (for example, a hospital foundation or community agency). The choice is totally yours. Either way, every cent you give helps someone else.

Last year, VCH staff donated around $30,000 to United Way and we hope to hit that same mark – or go even higher – this year. It was a generous contribution that impacted many lives of those in our communities. Thanks to everyone who gave in the past and can do so again this year.