By Lissa Alexander
After working hard her whole life, Gale found herself on the cusp of homelessness this year (her name has been changed to protect her identity).
“I lost my home a few years ago,” she said. “I was stubborn thinking I didn’t need help, but I do.”
After receiving some inheritance from her parents, her partner left with every dime she had, so she had to rethink her life. She went back to work but got very sick, and said her body just shut down. She had nowhere left to turn when she called SOS.
The SOS Seniors’ Advocacy Services Co-ordinator helped Gale access government benefits that she was unaware she was eligible for, including Employment Insurance, additional pension funds, and she received back-payments from the federal government. SOS also helped Gale apply for low-income housing and she’s been accepted and is now on the waiting list. Gale was elated with the support she received from SOS.
“I could breathe again,” Gale said. “Some people ask me, why didn’t you do this and why didn’t you do that on your own, but if you don’t know the right questions to ask, then how do you know to ask it?”
This is not an isolated story. In less than a year, SOS has been able to help recover more than $120,000 in government benefits for local seniors. The SOS Impact Campaign is raising funds to continue providing supports like these to help seniors age in place, stay connected with others, and provide financial support during times of emergency.
The 2024 SOS Impact Makers Gala on Friday, June 7 at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Centre will help raise much-needed funds to support local seniors.
One of Canada’s most beloved Impact Makers is returning to our region to perform at the event. Tom Jackson, renowned Canadian actor, musician, activist, and Companion of the Order of Canada will help SOS create a memorable evening of music and entertainment, complete with great dining, amazing silent auction items, and a one-of-a-kind raffle.
“We are humbled that Tom has agreed to come and help us raise funds for vulnerable seniors in our community,” said Susanna Newton, SOS executive director. “This is our first gala event and we’re excited for residents to come enjoy a fantastic evening, all while helping us meet critical needs.”
The signature sponsors for the event are Tigh-Na-Mara and Quality Foods. Jim Hykaway, general manager at Tigh-Na-Mara, said he hopes the resort’s setting and reputation will help attract guests who want to raise funds for a good cause.
“We value our long-standing relationship with SOS, including our annual Toy Drive event every November in support of SOS’ Caring for Community at Christmas Program,” said Hykaway. “This Impact Makers Gala is another opportunity for us to say yes to working collaboratively with SOS to support an important community cause.”
Dianna Rivard, executive assistant at Quality Foods, said it’s important for Quality Foods to support this cause as the company understands how much seniors are struggling, and they recognize the valuable work SOS does supporting our older residents.
“Quality Foods wants to ensure SOS has the resources it needs to continue delivering programs and services that seniors count on,” she said.
The silent auction is now online and open to everyone, including supporters who cannot attend the gala.
One of the auction items up for bid is an exciting experience for sports enthusiasts that includes two tickets to see Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s team, Wrexham AFC, play against the Whitecaps AC on July 27, along with a $300 gift certificate to Water Street Café & 2nd Floor Gastown, as well as two passes to travel in style on the Hullo Ferry. Other silent auction packages include a Relaxation Package from Tigh-Na-Mara, with a two-night-stay in a spa bungalow studio, two passes to the Grotto Spa, and $100 to spend at Cedars Restaurant. And travel a little further for a deluxe North Island Getaway with two nights at a beautiful beach house in Saratoga, a wine gift basket from 40 Knots Winery, and $200 worth of Save On Foods gift certificates to stock up for your trip.
The raffle prize is an exclusive brunch for two with Tom and Alison Jackson at Cedar’s Restaurant at Tigh-Na-Mara on June 8. Raffle tickets are $50 each. Gala tickets, silent auction packages, and raffle tickets are all available through the SOS website, www.sosd69.com or directly at www.trellis.org/sos-impact-makers-gala.
