We want to highlight the vital role played by non-profit organizations like United Way BC and BEST (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation), along with our community partners, in assisting seniors in finding environmentally friendly alternative transportation options. Through initiatives such as carpools and community shuttle buses, we strive to support seniors in maintaining their mobility and independence while being mindful of the environment.
One of our key initiatives, Seniors on the Move (SOTM), focuses on expanding transportation options for older adults in BC, enabling them to continue leading fulfilling lives even after they stop driving. We understand the emotional and practical challenges of ceasing to drive, and we aim to facilitate a smooth transition to a new chapter of mobility.
In honour of BC Seniors' Week 2023, which took place from June 4-10, United Way BC and BEST collaborated with various organizations, including Ask Friendship Society, South Vancouver Neighborhood House, Richmond Care, Richmond Gives, Seniors Services Society of BC, Dunbar Residents' Association, West End Community Centre Association, Vancouver Cycling Without Age Society, Westside Seniors Hub, SHARE Family and Community Services, Brightside Community Homes Foundation, and Collingwood Neighborhood House. We are grateful for the generous support from Vancouver Coastal Health and Vantage Point. Together, we aim to profile and celebrate community champions who advocate for alternative forms of transportation!
Visit our website to see our posters and read the inspiring stories of seniors featured throughout June and July by clicking here. Not only that, but keep an eye out for our posters around the city, community libraries, senior serving agencies, and more! Here’s an example:
David Dunne’s poster
If you know a remarkable senior in our community who deserves recognition, we want to hear from you! Reach out to us with their story, and they could be featured in our campaign. Let's celebrate their achievements and amplify their voices! Thank you for your ongoing support as we work towards creating a more sustainable and inclusive transportation system for seniors in our community!
Our work doesn’t end there! SOTM has been having some other exciting things going on, and we are eager to share them with you!
Back in March, SOTM started Systems Mapping, a collaborative mobilization effort among partners in British Columbia with the shared goal of mobility and transportation justice, particularly those from equity-deserving groups. Facilitated by BEST and United Way BC, this participatory approach involves a series of strategic visioning sessions that collect voices and visions from representatives across BC to catalyze systemic social innovation toward mobility for all. We aim to form a community-informed collective path toward a user-centred, equitable, and well-integrated mobility and transportation system that caters to older people of all abilities, regions, and backgrounds in BC.
The hotter weather has quickly approached us and BEST is working on a solution for our seniors. With Cool Riders, we’re identifying “hotspots” in Vancouver to save seniors from the heat and transporting them to cooling centres during extreme heat events. By collaborating with local senior serving agencies, we hope for Cool Riders to be a pilot project and spread to neighbouring communities. Email us at SOTM@best.bc.ca to stay up to date with this initiative!
BEST has partnered with TransLink to offer transit training workshops specifically designed for seniors and equity-seeking populations. These workshops will help participants become familiar with the transportation systems in Vancouver, learn how to plan and gain confidence in using public transit. That’s not all! The training will also include excursions, allowing participants to put their newfound knowledge into practice while exploring the city! With the support and guidance of knowledgeable instructors, older adults can feel empowered to navigate Vancouver's transit system with ease and independence. Want to join? The next workshop is July 19th from 10:30 AM to 12 PM at South Granville Seniors Centre! Email us at SOTM@best.bc.ca if you’re interested!
R.O.V.I.N.G. (Raising Our Voices in Support of Non-Ageist Ways of Getting Around) is a short documentary presented by BEST through our SOTM initiative, which highlights challenges and opportunities for seniors' transportation in BC. R.O.V.I.N.G. demonstrates how transportation options play a key role in giving lives meaning and purpose, and how they contribute to health and well-being. Our goal is to create a platform for these important discussions to take place and to gather feedback that can help guide future advocacy efforts. We are committed to improving senior transportation and believe engaging in an open and honest dialogue is an essential first step. Missed the last few screenings? No worries! Our plan for this year is to provide community centres, libraries, and senior centres with the opportunity to watch our documentary and engage in meaningful community dialogues about the needs and challenges of senior transportation. Interested organizations can contact us directly at SOTM@best.bc.ca and we will provide the documentary along with a thoughtfully designed questionnaire.
If you are a senior or know a senior, feel free to join our Seniors On The Move Facebook group! We want to build a community where seniors or those caring for seniors can hear more about our initiatives and share anything they want as well. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/seniorsonthemove.ca
