COCHRANE— In support of Cochrane’s senior citizens, the Town of Cochrane alongside representatives from Cochrane Family and Community Support Services, planted a lilac tree in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Tuesday (June 15).
This year marked the fifth year the Town has recognized the day in an official capacity, said Councillor Susan Flowers.
“We generally would have speakers, we would have parades with bagpipes and tons of attention with the purple balloons and the lilacs,” she said. “We scaled it down this year, but we didn’t want to miss out. We want people to remember that no one should suffer from abuse, particularly our elders in the community. A lot of things aren’t talked about so we need to talk about it and bring attention and awareness to it so something can be done.”
The Town has previously held World Elder Abuse Day ceremonies at the Cochrane Legion, the Cochrane Public Library, Frank Wills Memorial Hall and the Bethany Care Centre.
Flowers said it is reassuring to see the continued support of Cochrane’s senior population and the issues surrounding elder abuse.
“It’s really great to see that people are learning about this and being educated. Those that know, that are working with seniors, are right up there, front and centre, doing the hard work helping people and making a difference. We’re proud of them for doing that and we want to be supportive,” she said.
She added that she feels it is particularly important for the Town of Cochrane and its representatives to be present during this ceremony and for them to be vocal on issues like elder abuse.
“I think it’s up to leaders to make sure that citizens get what they need in a community, and it brings awareness and education. No one should suffer from abuse— Physical, financial, verbal abuse— We need to make sure that we recognize it and do something about it and leaders have a responsibility to be a part of that.”
Flowers said that she is looking forward to next year when large social gatherings can resume, and the Town can resume its usual large-scale celebrations in recognition of Cochrane’s seniors.
“Next year it’s going to be bigger and better, we’re going to have a great big awareness day,” she said. “We used to have a couple of hundred people come out for a brunch and a parade and really do it up big, so we’re looking forward to that next year.”
The Elder Abuse Response Team for Calgary and area can be reached through the Elder Abuse Resource Line at 403-705-3250.
