New Westminster-Burnaby MP Peter Julian wants to help keep seniors cool – and safe – this summer.
Julian and Burnaby-Deer Lake MLA Anne Kang are teaming up with the New West-based Seniors Services Society, Burnaby Neighbourhood House and Burnaby Metrotown Rotary Club to collect new and gently used fans for seniors. The initiative aims to ease the discomfort and to lower the threat a summer heat wave would pose to seniors.
“Fans for Seniors Campaign is an important initiative to help seniors stay in their own homes safely during the heatwave,” Julian said in a news release. “Last year’s heat dome resulted in over 90 deaths in New Westminster and Burnaby; many of the victims were seniors. This year we have decided to start collecting fans in advance because the weather forecast predicts hot summer months.''
According to Julian’s office, weather predictions are calling for extreme heat in the Lower Mainland this summer. The campaign aims to proactively work toward addressing this issue by donating fans to those most vulnerable to the heat.
“Last year’s heat wave was absolutely devastating,” Kang said. “Being part of the fan drive last year, I saw the compassion of our community, helping those who needed it most. I am very grateful to all who contributed last year with Burnaby Neighbourhood House and Seniors Services Society. They stepped up immediately in a crucial time to provide support for our vulnerable seniors.”
Antonia Beck, CEO of the Burnaby Neighbourhood House, said the project will help to mitigate the effects of the heat in the coming summer months. She’s thankful for the donations of the new and gently used fans, which will be distributed to seniors in Burnaby and New West.
“Last year, Mr. Julian and Ms. Kang collected over 80 fans for our seniors at the Burnaby Neighbourhood House and Seniors Services Society,” said Alison Silgardo, CEO of the Seniors Services Society. “We hope that through this year’s campaign, we will collect over 100 fans for the vulnerable seniors in New Westminster and Burnaby.”
Fans can be dropped off at Julian’s office (#110 - 888 Carnarvon St.), the Seniors Services Society of B.C. (750 Carnarvon St.) or Kang’s office (#105 - 6411 Nelson Ave., Burnaby). Monetary donations can be sent to the Seniors Services Society or Burnaby Neighbourhood House.
