Today, Peter Julian MP (New Westminster-Burnaby) and Anne Kang, MLA (Burnaby-Deer Lake) partner with the Burnaby Neighbourhood House, Burnaby Metrotown Rotary Club and the Seniors Services Society to collect new and gently used fans for seniors. This project not only intends to ease the discomfort and lower the threat the upcoming summer heat waves pose to seniors but also can potentially save lives. Last year, at least 91 residents in Burnaby and New Westminster died due to the record-breaking heat in July of 2021. This pattern is expected to continue into the summer of 2022 with predictions of extreme heat in the lower mainland. Fans for Seniors Campaign aims to proactively work towards addressing this issue by donating fans to those most vulnerable to the heat.
“Fans for Seniors Campaign is an important initiative to help seniors stay in their own homes safely during the heatwave. 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'', said MP Peter Julian.
“Last year’s heat wave was absolutely devastating. 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 Neighborhood House and Senior Services Society. They stepped up immediately in a crucial time to provide support for our vulnerable seniors. Today’s launch marks an important kick-off of our campaign to collect new and gently used fans. I hope you will join me in keeping our seniors safe,” stated MLA Anne Kang.
“We are extremely thankful to Mr. Julian and Ms. Kang for their lead and initiative to help our vulnerable seniors. This project will allow us to mitigate the effects of the heat in the coming summer months. We are also thankful for the donations of the new and gently used fans which will be distributed to seniors in Burnaby and New Westminster”, said Antonia Beck, CEO of the Burnaby Neighbourhood House
.
“Last year, Mr. Julian and Ms. Kang collected over 80 fans for our seniors at the Burnaby Neighbourhood House and 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,” added Alison Silgardo, CEO, Senior Services Society.
Media Contact: Doris Mah 604-353-3107 / [email protected]
