 The month of June is busy with many celebrations and observances. June 1st–7th is BC SENIORS WEEK, honouring the contributions and vitality of older adults across the province. It’s also an opportunity to recognize the challenges they may experience, and highlight services and events that support their health, safety, well-being, as well as services they can reach out to when necessary. Throughout the month, cities and towns across B.C. will host free events, wellness expos, fitness programs, social lunches, educational workshops, intergenerational gatherings, and accessible recreation opportunities designed specifically for older adults and senior living communities. Check your city's website for more information on events. The Seniors Services Society’s Walk of Ages returns on June 14th, inviting people to join them at the Mercer Stadium & Track, 900 6th Street, New Westminster for an inspiring and high energy day of community, compassion and connection, in order to raise crucial funds and raise awareness to support seniors in our community who are facing homelessness and housing insecurity. Check in 9:00 am. Walk 10:00 am–12 noon. For more information, visit the Seniors Services Society. Seniors First BC works with SSSBC on supporting seniors in B.C. who are at risk of facing homelessness, often during their later years. As a SHINE partner, SFBC offers free legal advice, advance planning, and assistance challenging evictions, while SSSBC helps seniors stay housed and prepare for temporary or permanent incapacity. Our lawyers travel to other SHINE partner locations including at SSSBC in New Westminster, at the Nanaimo Family Life Association, at the Seniors Outreach & Resource Centre (in Kelowna) and at Beacon Community Services (in Sidney) – and more soon! SFBC is grateful for this partnership, and, as always, thanks the Law Foundation of BC for providing core services for Seniors First BC's legal services, and the Province of BC for funding the Seniors Abuse and Information Line and SHINE. For more information, visit the Seniors Services Society. June is also National Indigenous History Month in Canada, giving us an opportunity to keep up to date with the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to shape Canada today. It is also a moment to reflect and recognize the ongoing impacts of colonization and to consider how we can all contribute to reconciliation. SFBC is proud to be able to provide aid and advocacy to Indigenous seniors in need of support. Each June, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and allies join together to celebrate Pride Month and highlight their resilience, identity, and the recognition of their ongoing contributions. Seniors First BC continues to host clinics in partnership with Qmunity every third Thursday of the month between 4:00 pm–6:00 pm for Seniors identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+ at 312 Main St, Vancouver. Interested eligible seniors can sign up by contacting SAIL. June 15th marks the 20th anniversary of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). This year’s theme, Be Bold: Age with Attitude, celebrates the strength, wisdom, and resilience of older adults, as well as champions their right to live free from abuse and discrimination. On that day, people are asked to stand together and wear purple in order to show their support and help bring to public attention the importance of aging with dignity. For more information visit BCCRNS. Across British Columbia, 90+ Community Response Networks (CRNs) are also offering events around elder abuse prevention. Find a CRN near you and consider attending one. A national online forum will take place on June 10 at 10 am in anticipation of WEAAD. You can register here.  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. Our Upcoming Learning EventsGovernment BenefitsSeniors First BC is pleased to be delivering presentations about Government Benefits for Older Adults, which provides an informative overview of several federal and provincial government benefits for seniors including Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Caregiver Tax Credit, Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER), Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (RAHA), and more.  Date/Time: Monday, June 1st, 9:30 am–11:00 am Location: Bonsor 55+ Seniors Centre, 6533 Nelson Avenue, Burnaby (in partnership with Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre) Date/Time: Tuesday, June 2nd, 1:00 pm–3:00 pm Location: West Vancouver Seniors Centre, 6533 Nelson Avenue, Burnaby. For this event, registration is required. To register, please call the front desk at 604-925-7280 (Activity Reference #211952) or visit Govt' Benefits - West Vancouver registration. Date/Time: Thursday, June 4th, 1:00 pm–3:00 pm Location: Tyee Hall, False Creek Community Centre, 1318 Cartwright Street, Vancouver (Granville Island). Please register online at Government Benefits - False Creek speaker series or call 604-257-8195  Elder Abuse: What is it? What can we do?Join us to learn more about the types of elder abuse, how to recognize signs of abuse, risk factors, and how we can respond and prevent abuse. Date/Time: Monday, June 15th, 3:00 pm–4:00 pm Location: West End Seniors Network, Barclay Manor, 1447 Barclay Street, Vancouver. For more information, contact Zeinab Ahmadizadeh – Programs & Volunteers Supervisor by email at zeinab@wesn.ca Date/Time: Monday, June 15th, 10:00 am–12:00 noon Location: Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility, 2005 Quebec Street, Vancouver (with ASL interpretation). FREE, but registration is required. For more info and to register, please Facetime or email seniorsoutreach@wavefrontcentre.ca  Fraud & Scam PreventionHost: Healthy Aging Series Event & Presentation, Burnaby Seniors Resource Society Date/Time: Thursday, June 25th, 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Location: Bonsor Recreation Complex – Banquet Hall, 6550 Bonsor Avenue, Burnaby In partnership with Seniors First BC and the BC Community Response Networks, Burnaby Seniors Resource Society is hosting this special event on Fraud & Scam Prevention. Visit the resource booths, enjoy light refreshments, and perhaps win a prize! Speaker session with Linda Yauk (Seniors First BC - Public Education & Outreach) – learn about the tricks used by scammers, common scams targeting older adults, safety strategies and resources for reporting and learning. Register early – seating is limited. To register, please email burnabyseniorsresourcesociety@gmail.com, or call 778-357-0525. Or visit Burnaby Seniors' Resources Society. Deadline to register: June 22, 2026  Webinar – What no one wants to talk about: Abuse & Neglect of Older AdultsHosted by the City of Burnaby Crime Prevention Services Date/Time: Thursday, June 25th, 6:00 pm–7:00 pm Location: online via Zoom (webinar) In partnership with the City of Burnaby Crime Prevention Services, Seniors First BC is pleased to hold an online presentation about Elder Abuse as part of their Safe Community Series. We’ll discuss what elder abuse is, types and indicators of abuse, risk factors, and strategies to deal with abuse, as well as resources to support older adults and concerned third parties in situations of abuse. For information and to register, please visit the City of Burnaby. Please check the Seniors First BC’s website Events Listing page for updates on presentations and events. Senior Resource Fairs & Community Events Kerrisdale Senior Resource Fair Host: Kerrisdale Community Centre Date/Time: Thursday, June 4th, 10:00 am–12:00 pm Location: Kerrisdale Community Centre, 5851 West Boulevard, Vancouver As part of BC Seniors Week, Seniors First BC is pleased to be participating in the Kerrisdale Senior Resource Fair hosted by Kerrisdale Community Centre. This event is spotlighting programs & services that support seniors: health & wellness, community resources, safety & emergency prep, and more. Come by the Seniors First BC information table and say hello! Lunch is available for $12 – June 4th is Turkey Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and vegetables. FREE admission. Registration is encouraged: Kerrisdale Seniors Resource Fair. Parking is limited (paid lot, but 3 hours free if visiting the community center).  Wilson Senior's Mini Health Fair for Caregivers Date/Time: Friday, June 5th, 1:00 pm–3:00 pm Location: Mabbett Hall, Port Coquitlam Community Centre, 2150 Wilson Avenue, Port Coquitlam As part of Seniors Week, Seniors First BC is pleased to be participating in the Wilson Seniors Mini Health Fair for Caregivers. Enjoy coffee & sweets while socializing and visiting the exhibitors tables to learn about local resources. Come by the Seniors First BC information table and say hello! Guest speakers: Stacey Dawes - "Family Caregivers of BC - Who we are, what we offer & how to access help" and Karen Tyrell - "Coping with Caregiver Stress". FREE admission. For more information, visit Wilson Seniors.  Marpole Community Day Date/Time: Saturday, June 6th, 11:00 am–3:00 pm Location: Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre, 990 West 59th Ave (at Oak St.), Vancouver As part of Seniors Week, Seniors First BC is pleased to be participating in the annual Marpole Community Day – not just for seniors, but fun for the whole family. Come by the Seniors First BC information table and say hello while you visit other community tables. Food concession. Live entertainment. Face painting & inflatables. Free rides & carnival games. FREE admission. For inquiries about the event, please visit www.marpoleoakridge.org or call Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre (MOCC) at 604-257-8180 ext 1.  ConnectTra Abilities Expo – "Connected Futures" Date/Time: Monday, June 8th, 10:00 am–4:00 pm Location: Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver Seniors First BC is pleased to participate once again in ConnecTra Society’s flagship event, the Abilities Expo, which brings together exhibitors, vendors, community resources, and guest speakers to support well-being, meaningful connection, and a more connected future for the disability community. This year's theme, Connected Futures, reflects the importance of innovation, accessible technology, and inclusive design in strengthening our communities. The Expo showcases organizations, services, and ideas that are helping shape more connected and inclusive futures, featuring informative and inspiring presentations, community resources, and opportunities to engage across generations and lived experiences. FREE admission – Donations are welcome. Please register for your free ticket through Eventbrite. For more information, visit ConnectTra.  Annual Seniors Expo, Surrey/White Rock Date/Time: Saturday, June 13th, 9:00 am–1:00 pm Location: Star of the Sea Hall, 15262 Pacific Ave, White Rock Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford is hosting his 5th Annual Seniors Expo and Seniors First BC will be hosting an information table. Features: Senior-friendly local vendors, door prizes, speakers, plus a special guest appearance by local Elvis Impersonator Steve Elliott from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Admission is FREE.  2026 New to New West Intercultural Festival Host: The City of New Westminster Date/Time: Saturday, June 20th, 11:00 am–2:00 pm Location: Welcome Centre, 820 Sixth Street, New Westminster Hosted by The City of New Westminster and the WINS Local Immigration Partnership Council, this is an event to make people of all ages aware of free resources and services, to celebrate the diverse cultures of New Westminster, and to make connections. The event will include a resource fair, children’s activities, entertainment & music, food, and much more. Come visit the Seniors First BC information table while you enjoy this special intercultural festival. For more information, visit New to New West Intercultural Festival and Information Fair. Contact UsOur 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. |
