Money Matters

According to the BC Unclaimed Property Society, 1 in 31 B.C. residents have unclaimed funds and seniors are a significant portion of them. Recent data indicates that fewer than 10% in the province know about the B.C. nonprofit society.

Many who have unclaimed funds are seniors who may be worried about being vulnerable to financial scams and/or may not be online enough to see enhanced messaging (secure communication) about unclaimed funds. Seniors can also be on fixed incomes, making expenses in a province like B.C. challenging. Reuniting seniors with their unclaimed funds is a top priority for the society.

BC Unclaimed is the province’s primary caretaker of unclaimed funds under the Unclaimed Property Act. They keep unclaimed money safe until they can find the rightful owners. New funds are continuously added, with $17.5 million added in 2025 alone. If there are funds in your name, the claiming process is straightforward and free.

Last year BC Unclaimed returned close to $3.8 million to 638 owners in 2025, and since the society started in 2003, $36.9 million has been returned to residents.

For more information please, visit BC Unclaimed's website.

Meteorologists at Environment and Climate Change Canada have predicted that 2026 will be among the hottest years on record and British Columbia will be facing a warmer and drier summer than usual this year, due to a developing and potentially strong El Nino.

We invite you to read an article written by Sam Zeitoun, Vice-President of the Seniors First BC Board.

Beat the Heat

As we approach the summer with the understanding of climate changes and the increase of temperatures across the globe, we must be cautious during the heat and take quick relief to prevent the body from overheating.

Extreme or too much heat is not safe for any person, but in particular young children but more so for seniors. Our body’s ability to regulate its temperature during severe heat is very difficult. In addition, and according to the National Institute of Aging “Older adults are more likely to have chronic medical conditions that affect the body’s response to temperature, and to take prescription medicines that alter the body’s ability to control temperature or sweat”.

As stated by many experts and health organizations, listed below are some tips to avoid heat related illness such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

• Drink plenty of liquids, such as water, fruit or vegetable juices, or drinks that contain electrolytes. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
• If you live in a home without air conditioning, use fans and try to keep your space as cool as possible.
• Dress for the weather. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Natural fabrics such as cotton may feel cooler than synthetic fibers.
• Avoid outdoor exercising and other physical activity.
• If you must go outside, try to limit your time out and avoid crowded places. Plan trips during non-rush-hour times if possible.
• Use sunscreen.
• Shower, bathe, or sponge off with cool water.
• Lie down and rest.
• Ask your doctor if any of your medications make you more likely to become overheated or sunburned.

If your living space is hot, try to spend time during midday in a place that has air conditioning and maybe some activities to keep your mind active. For example, a community centre or a public library near you are ideal places for you to meet friends and make new ones, do some mind active mental fitness, listen to music, or read a book.

We thank our generous donors!

We thank Life Assure for their donation of $7,500.

And the Dogwood Pavilion Seniors' Society for donating $5,000 to Seniors First BC. 

Marion Anderson, Board President  of the Dogwood Pavilion Seniors’ Society, presenting a $5,000 cheque to Marie-Noël Campbell, SFBC Executive Director.

Seniors First BC is a charitable, non-profit society that provides information, legal advocacy, and support to older adults across BC with issues affecting their well-being. Our services are delivered through our Seniors Abuse and Information Line, Victim Services, Elder Law Clinic, Advance Planning Clinics, Legal Advocacy Program, and Public Education and Outreach Program.

Donations serve an important role in helping our programs operate. To make a donation to our organization safely and securely online, click the button below to access our Canada Helps page.

June Recap

Throughout the month of June Seniors First BC engaged in outreach to raise awareness around elder abuse issues.

Warning: Romance Scams

Last June, on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), an Elder shared her story about how she lost over $60,000 in an online romance scam, warning others from falling prey to scammers.

If you have fallen prey to a romance scam, please talk to someone you trust or phone Seniors First BC’s confidential line SAIL at 604-437-1940 or Toll-Free at 1-866-437-1940 for help and support.

We thank Sharon for her courage and willingness to share her story to help prevent further abuse of seniors, as romance scams affect elders and seniors from all social, cultural and economic backgrounds.

For the full interview, please visit Vancouver CityNews.

Walk of Ages

Seniors First BC joined Seniors Services Society mid June for their annual Walk of Ages in New Westminster. We’re proud to partner with Seniors Services Society to support older adults in our community.

Participants in the Walk of Ages.

SFBC was also pleased to be able to present on Elder Abuse, Government Benefits, Frauds & Scams, and an Introduction to Seniors First BC for a number of community groups including Burnaby Neighbourhood House Caregiver Support Group, the Dr. Peter Centre, Filipino BC, Delta-Surrey Metis Society, Langley Seniors in Action HUB, and several independent living retirement homes in Langley and White Rock.

Many thanks to these groups for their partnership in sharing information.

Our Upcoming Events

Introduction to Seniors First BC

Join us to learn more about the free programs and services that Seniors First BC provides to support older adults across BC with issues affecting their well-being. This session also includes a brief overview of elder abuse.

Minoru Seniors Centre

Date/Time: Wednesday, July 22^nd, 10:30–11:30 am.

Location: Minoru Seniors Centre in the Art Studio (7191 Granville Street, Richmond).

Register online (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), in person, or by phone by calling the Registration Call Centre at 604-276-4300 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm).

You have the option to join for lunch: Arrive at 11:00 a.m.; Cost: $9.00 (Payment can be made at the front desk upon arrival); Includes a full meal, coffee/tea, dessert, and the presentation.

Participants attending only the presentation are welcome to arrive at 11:50 a.m. at no cost.

RSVP is required for presentation as well as lunch – space is limited. Please contact Paula to register, by email paulag@kitshouse.org or call 604-736-3588 ext. 110.

Elder Abuse & Neglect – What is it? What can we do about it?

This presentation discusses the types of elder abuse and potential indicators, risk factors, and strategies to deal with abuse, including several resources for support that can assist older adults and concerned third parties in situations of elder abuse. An overview of Seniors First BC services will also be given.

South Vancouver Neighbourhood House

Date/Time: Wednesday, July 8^th, 10:30–11:30 am.

Location: South Vancouver Neighbourhood House (6470 Victoria Drive, Vancouver).

Option to stay for Community Lunch 12–1pm (cost $7); pre-registration required, contact alex.hill@southvan.org or (604) 324-6212 ext. 141.

South Granville Seniors Centre

Date/Time: Wednesday, July 22^nd, 2:00–3:20 pm.

Location: South Granville Seniors Centre (1420 West 12^th Ave, Vancouver).

Presented in English with Spanish interpretation.

For more information & to register, contact Beatriz at (604) 732-0812 or spanishcoordinator@southgranvilleseniors.ca   

Frauds & Scams – Recognize, Reject, Report

Government Benefits for Older Adults in BC

Date/Time: Wednesday, July 15^th, 1:00–3:00 pm.

Location: Gastown Hastings Crossing Community Policing Centre (109 West Hastings, Vancouver).

This presentation with Seniors First BC’s Senior Legal Advocate provides an informative overview of several government income supports, benefits, and tax credits – including Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER), Caregiver Tax Credit, Canada Dental Plan, and more.

Free. Tea, coffee & light refreshments will be provided. For more information, please call (604) 633-2723.

Advance Planning can help ensure your wishes will be respected if you were to become incapable and when you pass away. Learn from a lawyer about Wills, Powers of Attorney, Representation Agreements and other advance planning tools, potential misuse of these tools and resources for further assistance. Please note this session is information only and not intended as legal advice.

Free. No registration required – feel free to drop in. For more information, visit the Events website.

Residential Tenancy

Date/Time: Friday, July 24^th, 10 am–12:00 noon.

Location: Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility (2005 Quebec Street, Vancouver).

Presented by our Senior Legal Advocate (with ASL interpretation), this presentation covers information on Residential Tenancy Law in British Columbia; including the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants, and the process involved in dispute resolution with the Residential Tenancy Branch.

For more info and to register, facetime or email

seniorsoutreach@wavefrontcentre.ca

Please check the Seniors First BC’s website Events Listing page for updates on presentations and events.

Contact Us

Our province-wide confidential Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL) is a safe place for older adults and those who care about them to talk to a professional intake worker about issues that affect their well-being, receive information, or learn about our programs. Call 604-437-1940 or Toll-Free at 1-866-437-1940 weekdays 8am to 8pm. Language interpretation is available. For individuals who cannot call SAIL due to disability or accessibility reasons, email us at info@seniorsfirstbc.ca or use the contact form on our website. 

If you are interested in contributing to this newsletter as a volunteer, email outreach@seniorsfirstbc.ca.