Making a difference

Unison continues to provide many of the same programs and services in Calgary and Medicine Hat that we always have.

More and more over the past few years, we have seen a greater need to provide more basic needs support in the two cities.

Many of you have volunteered your time and donated your cash so that we could deliver more Elder Abuse and Food Security programming and support.

We have launched our Help for the Holidays Campaign to support these newer initiatives, our: Unison Elder Abuse Shelter and Case Management, Our Unison Wellness Program, and our Unison Thrive Food Security Program.

If you live in Medicine Hat, please also support one of the local food security initiatives, Meals on Wheels.
We rely both on donors and government support to keep these initiatives operating.

Recently, the provincial government has promised $7.4 million in funding over three years to a variety of organizations addressing the needs of at-risk seniors: including the Unison Elder Abuse Shelter in Calgary and the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council (AEAAC).

We have operated the shelter since 1999 but this year, the province more than doubled their support to the shelter.

This is the largest increase in funding we have ever received for the shelter.

With a growing population of Albertans over 50 it is no surprise that the demand for Elder Abuse Services continues to grow.

Through this funding, the Kerby Unison Centre is increasing the number of our shelter beds to 14 from nine. We are also increasing our outreach support in both Calgary and Medicine Hat.

Last month Food Banks Canada released a national report which indicated that Alberta was the third most food insecure province in the country.

We know this is true when we see the growth in demand for our food security programs. Inflation, the cost of groceries, utilities and housing have been devastating for many seniors.

This holiday season we will be a lifeline for vulnerable seniors to get the food, safety, and social connections they need to thrive.

We offer diverse programs for seniors that help to fight food insecurity including free bi-weekly Food Markets and food basket deliveries, a 24/7 Elder Abuse Shelter, and more than 15 Wellness programs to support seniors’ mental health and wellbeing.

Please help us to make a real difference for older adults in Alberta.