HelpAge Canada

WHO WE ARE

HelpAge Canada was founded in 1975 under the name Help the Aged (Canada) by a group of volunteers who were concerned that no Canadian charitable organization represented the interests and needs of older persons in Canada and in the developing world.

HelpAge Canada was one of the six founding organizations of HelpAge International, a global network of over 80 organizations that helps thousands of older persons every day.

In 2010, Help the Aged (Canada) adopted its current name and look to match that of HelpAge International, and other HelpAge affiliates. HelpAge’s mission is to work in partnership with other organizations to improve and maintain the quality of life of vulnerable older persons and their community. Our vision at HelpAge is for older persons to lead secure, healthy, active and dignified lives.

We work with our partners to ensure that people everywhere understand how much older persons contribute to society and their right to healthcare, social services, and economic and physical security.

We believe that “age helps” – a position that puts the experience of older women and men at the center of our work.

WHAT WE DO

In Canada

In Canada we focus on vulnerable and isolated seniors. We sparked the creation and support the work of the Nunavut Seniors Society, the first organization representing seniors in this immense Arctic region. HelpAge Canada has launched and continues to run programs that raise awareness and combat isolation in the Ottawa and Quebec City areas. Over the next few years, we will be continuing to expand our work across Canada.

Outside Canada

We provide assistance and empowerment to older persons in seven countries (Jamaica, Haiti, Dominica, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, India and Sri Lanka). We do this through:

• Sponsorship of grandparents, victims of sexual violence, retired advocates and members of marginalized communities.
• Income generating activities.
• Kenya Gift Program which provides the necessities of life to older Kenyans in need.
• Supporting emergency relief and reconstruction work in areas affected by disaster or conflict.