Adopt an Elder Program
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has received funding from BC’s Ministry of Health and The Social Planning and Research Council of B.C. to pilot the Adopt an Elder Program in the Interior Health region of British Columbia in 2026. This program is a volunteer-based check-in program designed to help Métis Elders, seniors, people with mobility challenges and those living in isolation. This page will be updated periodically as the program progresses.
Background:
The 2021 heat dome in British Columbia caused temperatures to reach over 40⁰C throughout the province and led to 619 heat-related deaths. Most of the deceased were older adults who lived alone, and 98% of deaths occurred indoors.
Program Goals:
From the lessons that came out of the 2021 Heat Dome, we hope to increase preparedness knowledge and safety for Métis Citizens. We aim to tailor existing check-in programs to be Métis-specific, culturally safe and appropriate. Métis volunteers would be provided training and guidance to be able to provide support to 'adoptees' before and during extreme weather events.
Sign Up for the Program
The program is only open to Citizens in the Interior Health Service Area (See Map). This initiative will first be tested in the Interior Health region before spreading province-wide starting in 2027. You may want to join the program if:
- You are a(n)
- Elder, senior
- Living alone
- And/or require mobility support during extreme heat or cold conditions
- You are interested in being a volunteer to support the check-in program.
Please email Derek Gagnon at dgagnon@mnbc.ca if you have any questions and are interested in being part of this pilot program.
Sign up to be in the Advisory Group
The Advisory Group will provide community representation and feedback to guide the development of this initiative. The group will meet twice per month to help guide the program. Meetings will entail:
- Determining the best methods of interaction between those being served and the volunteers helping them
- Finalizing an appropriate name for the program
- Providing feedback as the program rolls out
We are looking for one Citizen in each of the following areas:
- Kamloops/Salmon Arm/Vernon
- Kelowna
- Cranbrook
- Williams Lake
Please email Derek Gagnon at dgagnon@mnbc.ca if you are interested in being in the Advisory Group for this pilot program.