SeniorsSafety 2021 EDITION
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SeniorsSafety 2021
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Visit www.ActivePure.com SeniorsSafety for more informtion 2021
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
CONTENT
03 Directory PAGE 05 A message from your Prince George RCMP PAGE 06 What is Restorative Justice? PAGE 08 Protecting your electronics and other valuable items PAGE 10 How you can help prevent theft from vehicles PAGE 11 Phishing and Smishing scams PAGE 12 Online shopping safety tips PAGE 13 Health and medical scams PAGE 14 Identity theft PAGE 14 Protecting your PIN PAGE
SeniorsSafety 2021 Available online at www.princegeorgegcitizen.com A DIVISION OF
PUBLISHED BY 505 4TH AVENUE • 250.562.2441 • PRINCE GEORGE, B.C.
DIRECTORY
CRISIS/SUPPORT LINES
Blockwatch Society of British Columbia 1-877-602-3358 Crisis Prevention, Intervention & Information Centre for Northern BC 1-888-562-1214 Public Guardian and Trustee and Community Resource Network 1-604-660-4444
Canada Benefits 1-800-622-6263
Seniors Abuse & Information Line 1-866-437-1940
Canada Revenue Agency 1-800-959-8281
VictimLinkBC 1-800-563-0808
EMERGENCY Dial 911
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 1-800-668-2642
LEGAL INFORMATION/ FINANCIAL SERVICES
Lawyer Referral Service 1-800-663-1919
British Columbia Securities Commission 1-800-373-6393
FOOD SERVICES Curb Your Appetite 250-960-9797 Meals on Wheels 250-564-5888
HEALTH RESOURCES Alzheimer Resource Centre 250-564-7533 Arthritis Answers Line 1-800-321-1433
Your Neighbours In Care
Bathroom Safety • Beds • Elevating & Lifts • Walkers Wheelchairs • Ramps and More
NOW WITH AN ONLINE STORE 849 - 2nd Avenue, Prince George 250.562.8280 www.mednorthbc.com
664 Front Street, Quesnel 236.424.4003 PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
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DIRECTORY cont. BC Association of Lifeline Programs (Lifeline Representative) 1-866-406-3001 BC Cancer –Prince George 1-855-775-7300 Canadian Mental Health Association Prince George 250-564-8644 Cariboo Home & Health Services 250-649-8783 First Link Dementia Helpline 1-800-936-6033 HealthLink BC Dial 811 (711 for the deaf and the hard of hearing) HearingLife 250-564-2593 Northern Health 250-565-2649 Northern Health Connections Bus 1-888-647-4997 Northern Home Care 250-563-3501
Parkinson Society British Columbia 1-800-668-3330
Riverbend Manor 250-596-8097
Prince George Hospice Society 250-563-2481 Seniors Health Care Support Line 1-887-952-3181
HOUSING Aboriginal Housing Society 250-564-9794 BC Housing – Northern Region 250-562-9251
POLICE SERVICES Community Police Office 250-561-3366 Prince George Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477
Birchview Residences 778-415-9790 Country Acres Seniors Community 250-962-5570
PRINCE GEORGE CITY RESOURCES
Gateway Lodge 250-565-5572
City of Prince George 250-561-7600
Jubilee Lodge 250-565-2286
Regional District of Fraser-Fort George 250-960-4400
Laurier Manor 250-645-6188
RECREATION/ACTIVITY CENTRES
Parkside Care Home 250-645-6420
Prince George Senior Activity Centre 250-563-1915 Spruce Capital Senior’s Recreation Centre 250-563-6450 Volunteer Prince George 250-564-0224
REPORTING/FRAUD RESOURCES Better Business Bureau Interior BC 1-888-803-1222 British Columbia Crime Prevention Association 1-888-405-2288 Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 1-888-495-8501 Consumer Protection BC 1-888-564-9963
Elder Citizens Recreation Association 250-561-9381
Sale of merchandise scams
THE CRISIS CENTRE FOR NORTHERN BC
Scammers can pose as buyers.
If you sell items online, either personally or as part of a business, you need to be careful who you sell to as there is a risk of being targeted by tricksters who want to take your merchandise, money, or both.
WOULD YOU LIKE A FRIENDLY PHONE CALL?
In one version, the fraudster will agree to buy your item without seeing it. You'll get a PayPal or email money notification that claims the payment is pending. The catch is, the notification will say the payment will only be released when you provide a tracking number for the goods. By the time you enter the tracking number, you'll have already shipped the merchandise only to learn that the payment notification was a fake.
The Crisis Centre for Northern BC is here for seniors. Please call 1-888-562-1214 or email: program.assistant@crisis-centre.ca to set up weekly or bi-weekly calls.
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Two Rivers Seniors Lodge 250-562-8466
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Prince George 250-561-3300
Prince George Chateau 250-277-1688
Generously funded by:
Simon Fraser Lodge 250-563-3413
Prince George Council of Seniors 250-564-5888
In other cases, you might get paid with a fake money transfer, a fraudulent cheque or a stolen credit card.
Helping each other... the northern way unitedwaynbc.ca
In another version, the scammer may send you a message that says the payment can't be sent due to
SeniorsSafety 2021
a problem with your PayPal or bank account. You'll be asked to pay a fee to obtain a business account to complete the transaction. The scammer offers to pay the fee if you reimburse them using a transfer or wire service. If you agree, the "fee" money will go to the con artist.
Tips to protect yourself: • Always meet in a local, public and safe place to complete an exchange. • Beware of generic emails with bad grammar. • Beware of far away buyers who want to buy products or other items without seeing them. • Verify the sender's email address—scammers will often create addresses that are very similar to legitimate ones, with just one or two different letters. • Never send money to get money. PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
A message from your Prince George RCMP
Serving Our Community ... On Your Behalf! SHIRLEY BOND
InterIm Leader of the offIcIaL opposItIon mLa | prInce GeorGe - VaLemoUnt 250-612-4181 Shirley.Bond.MLA@leg.bc.ca /ShirleyBondforBC
MIKE MORRIS
mLa | prInce GeorGe - macKenZIe 250-612-4194 Mike.Morris.MLA@leg.bc.ca /MikeMorrisforBC A message from your local MLAs
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
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What is Restorative Justice?
Many Canadians feel our justice system is not always the best practice to deal with some criminal acts. The justice system protects human rights, dignity and demographic values. Restorative Justice offers the same protection, but includes everyone affected by a crime, costs less, reduces delays, provides an equal voice for the person harmed and the person who has caused harm, and has
caused harm and their supports, the person harmed and their supports, an RCMP member The Prince George RCMP Reand Restorative Justice Facilitastorative Justice program began tor and Co-facilitator. CPAP Machines Healing and Supplies in July 2015 and is the newest damaged relationships, and Jay C. Wolfe program for the Prince George BSc., RRTseeking an effective consensus RCMP Crime Prevention Unit, agreement for theTherapist person who Registered Respiratory Community Policing. Restorhas caused harm, is an outA Proud ative Justice values include come of Community Justice Locally Owned accountability, responsibility, Forums which are held in safe, Canadian Company! honesty, empathy, and respect. controlled environments, and Community Justice Forums facilitated by trained Restorative include person who has Jaythe Can Help!
the ability to deal with the root cause of crime.
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Justice Volunteers. The resulting agreement addresses the needs of the person harmed, the person causing harm and community, in an effort to facilitate healing and encourage more positive life choices. Restorative Justice is relationally focused; comprehensive and holistic; inclusive and participatory; responsive and collaborative.
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JAY CAN HELP Registered Respiratory Therapist
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TWO LOCATIONS #202 - 575 Quebec St. PG 236-423-6244 • 533 Reid St. Quesnel 778-414-8445
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PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
“
Restorative justice is a process to involve, to the extent possible, those who have a stake in a specific offence and to collectively identify and address harms, needs and obligations, in order to heal and put things as right as possible.” Howard Zehr, The Little Book of Restorative Justice, 2002.
RCMP members refer files to the Restorative Justice program and review the background of the person who caused harm and nature of the offence to determine suitability. Ideally, the person who has caused harm will express remorse and be accountable for their actions, and both the person who has caused harm and the person harmed are willing to participate in a restorative process. The file is then referred to the RCMP Restorative Justice Program. When working with school-aged youth, through use of a School District 57 approved Release of Information form that includes permission from the youth’s parent or guardian, pertinent information is gathered about the youth. This information assists in the formation of an effective Restorative Justice agreement for the youth that may include but is not limited to school attendance, counselling,
participation in school activities, and community service work. Both adult and youth offender Restorative Justice agreements focus on what is needed to enable the individual to move forward in their life in a more positive manner. Restorative Justice is an opportunity for individuals to avoid a criminal record and give back to the community who is impacted by a criminal incident. The opportunity for those harmed and those causing harm to heal can be transforming and the process fosters a safe and sustainable community.
For more information or volunteer inquiries For more information on the RCMP Restorative Justice program contact Community Policing, 250-561-3366.
PRINCE GEORGE RCMP RESTORATIVE JUSTICE 455 Victoria Street Prince George, BC V2L 0B7
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Protecting your Electronics and other valuable items
W
hen you get new electronics or other valuable items it is often the last thing on your mind to record its particular information; the desire to use your new item overrides the need to record its serial number. However, it only takes a few seconds to write down the information that could result in you getting your property back in the unfortunate event it is stolen.
The make, model and value of the item are important bits of information that will help an investigation, but the serial number of the item is vital if you become a victim of property crime. Police add the serial numbers to a national database that any police officer in the country can check. For example, it is likely that you are not the only person who bought a particular make and model of television. If your home is broken into and the police catch
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YOUTH SUPPORT YOUTH SUPPORT SERVICES SERVICES
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Crisis Centre Crisis1-888-562-1214 Centre 1-888-562-1214
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NEED TO TALK? NEED TO TALK?
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someone with the same make and model of television that you just had stolen, without identifying markers it may be difficult to prove in court that it belongs to you. A serial number is one of a kind and virtually indisputable piece of evidence in court. Even if there is no evidence to support a Break & Enter charge, it is solid evidence to support a Possession of Stolen Property charge. The Prince George RCMP would like to encourage the public to take a few minutes and record this information in the event that someone steals your belongings. Details such as the make, model, purchase price, serial number and accurate description will assist police immensely. Another great step is to take a photo of your valuables. A photo also helps police get information out about your stolen item. Media outlets like newspapers and television stations are more likely to publish or air articles with photos than without. This information, including photos, will also help in the event you need to make an insurance claim. Insurance companies will usually keep copies of this information and photos on your file at no charge. The Prince George RCMP would also like to suggest that property owners engrave their driver’s licence number on their valuables. This allows the police to access the property owner’s information from anywhere, possibly even before the owner knows it is missing. The police often locate known criminals with property we believe is stolen, but it has not been reported. In the absence of other evidence, the officer may have to let the person go with the property. An engraved driver’s license number would give the officer a chance to PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
contact that person and make enquiries. Even if the owner is not home, police would have grounds to hold that property until they can speak with the owner of the item.
Making a Difference for Patients in the North
If you have any information about property related crimes in the Prince George area, please contact the Prince George RCMP at (250)561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1(800)222-8477 or online at www.pgcrimestoppers. bc.ca (English only). You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. If you provide For over 30 years the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation has bee information that leads to an helping to bring the best of care closer to home for patients in the refer arrest or recovery of stolen area of the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia property, you could be eligible for a cash reward.
Making a Difference for Patients in the North
Cst. Jennifer Cooper Communications NCO / Media Relations Officer Prince George Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Government of Canada jennifer.cooper@rcmp-grc.gc.ca Tel: 250-561-3321 Cell: 250-613-3532 http://princegeorge.rcmp.ca
Your gift will change h healthcare is deliver
For over 30 years the Spirit of the North HealthcareYour Foundation has been gift will provide be helping to bring the best of care closer to home for patients in the referral outcomes for patients in the no area of the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia
Your gift will stay in Your gift will changeyou howlive, w communities where healthcare is delivered. and p
Your gift will provide better outcomes for patients That’s in the north. our
prom
Your gift will stay in the communities where you live, work and play. That’s our promise.
WAYS TO GIVE • Providing a one time gift • Becoming a Sustaining Supporter WAYS TO GIVE Providing a one time gift • Giving in• memory of a loved one
• Becoming a Sustaining Supporter
• Planning• for an end Giving in memory of a loved one of life gift • Planning for an end life gift • Leaving a of legacy
• Leaving a legacy
Call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) Submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com/398 You remain anonymous. Criminals don’t.
Celebrating 30 30 years Celebrating yearsof of Caring in Northern BC Caring in Northern BC 1475 Edmonton Street, Prince George, BC V2M 1S2 250-565-2515 | www.spiritofthenorth.ca
1475 Edmonton Street, Prince George, BC V2M 1S2 250-565-2515 | www.spiritofthenorth.ca
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HOW YOU CAN HELP PREVENT THEFT FROM VEHICLES he Prince George RCMP is encouraging the community to help protect themselves from becoming victims of crime. When it comes to having vehicles broken into for the sole purpose of stealing the contents inside, there are a number of things that people can do to ensure that they don’t fall prey to criminals. Theft from autos continues to be an occurrence in Prince George that the Prince George RCMP is committed to extinguishing. “The fact that criminals break into vehicles to steal anything of value from inside is nothing new. This isn’t an issue that is unique to Prince George. Police are committed to doing what we can to bring the number of these occurrences down,” states Cst. Cooper. The Prince George holds weekly Comp Stat meetings as a collaborative effort to reduce crime within the community. Officers discuss everything from identifying “hot spots” for criminal activity to ensuring officers are aware of the prolific offenders and the crimes they commit.
As much as the Prince George RCMP focuses on bringing criminals to justice and making the community safer, the police need your assistance in order to achieve success. Theft from vehicles is a crime of opportunity and is preventable. By following a few basic rules, you can eliminate the likelihood that you will be a victim. The key is to get into the habit of consistently following the rules until it becomes second nature. Help the Prince George RCMP eliminate theft from vehicles by doing your part to safeguard them. Together we can make the community a safer place to be. Cst. Jennifer Cooper Communications NCO / Media Relations Officer Prince George Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Government of Canada jennifer.cooper@rcmp-grc.gc.ca Tel: 250-561-3321 / Cell: 250-613-3532 http://princegeorge.rcmp.ca
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QUICK TIPS
TO PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES Remove valuables from your vehicle. Never leave any items in plain view as doing so provides an easy target and attracts attention. Valuables may include loose change, sunglasses, cigarettes, lighters, charging cables and clothing. Park in well-lit, open areas when you are out. When at home, park in your garage (if available) and lock both your vehicle and your garage. Remove portable accessories such as GPS units or satellite radios. It is important to remember that GPS units are usually programmed with your home address. Opt for a garage door opener that fits on your key ring or program the built-in version on newer model vehicles, instead of a model that clips on your visor and is easily removed.
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Diabetes affects the circulation and immune system, which in turn impairs the body’s ability to heal itself. Over time, diabetes can damage sensory nerves (this is known as “neuropathy”), especially in the hands and feet. As a result, people with diabetes are less likely to feel a foot injury, such as a blister or cut. Unnoticed and untreated, even small foot injuries can quickly become infected, potentially leading to serious complications.
Whether or not you are diabetic, your feet are the last thing you think of for overall health and wellbeing. Let’s make it the first thing you do for better health, wellness and mobility.
Karen Le Francois BSc Pod. By Appointment Only • Call or Text 250.981.5416
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PHISHING AND SMISHING SCAMS
your dream door starts here
BE ON THE LOOKOUT. MESSAGES ARE EASILY FABRICATED!
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s we spend more time online, fraudsters are getting more creative with scams in the digital space. Phishing is when you get an unsolicited email that claims to be from a legitimate organization, such as financial institutions, businesses or government agencies. Scammers ask you to provide or verify, either via email or by clicking on a web link, personal or financial information, like your credit card
number, passwords and social insurance number. Smishing is the same thing, except it occurs via text messages. These messages often copy the tone and logo of organizations you trust, and usually include a call to action. They take many shapes and forms but the bottom line is that they seek your personal details.
TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF: • Know that reputable organizations will never ask for your personal information through email or text.
• To verify a hyperlink without clicking, hover your mouse over it. Carefully check if it is accurate.
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• Ignore communications from unknown contacts.
• Update your antivirus software on all devices.
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• Delete suspicious messages as they can carry viruses.
• Never use the phone number or email address provided in the suspicious message—use contact information listed on verified websites.
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• Don't reply to spam messages, even to unsubscribe, and don't open any attachments or follow any links. PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
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ONLINE SHOPPING SAFETY TIPS SHOPPING TIPS Make sure you are on a legitimate website; look for the symbol of a closed padlock in your browser’s address bar to make sure it is safe Use PayPal or a small balance credit card for purchases. Do not give out your credit card number in an email or in the body of a message on a website Don’t click on a link because it is a “super good deal” Suspicious websites have non-operating front-page links
Before you purchase, Google the store to see anyone else has reported it as a scam or has given bad feedback Be on the look out for inexpensive clones sold online, pretending to be from a large supplier Look out for fake coupons Stick with local businesses or online companies that you trust
Have your packages delivered to the post office for pick up Have your packages requiring tracking and signature If not home have packages sent to a friend’s house or your work Arrange to meet the delivery driver (signature needed) or pick up at the warehouse
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Keep packages out of site in your vehicles Be careful who you share your shopping successes with; resist the urge to post everything to social media
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Check and empty your community mailbox daily, especially around Christmas and tax-return time Have shipping insurance
Be alert for spelling or grammatical errors on a website, indicating that it may not be a legitimate company
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eng/04333.html#sec03 (The Little Black Book of Scams 2nd edition) Government of Canada
Gouvernement du Canada PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCAMS WATCH OUT FOR MAGICAL CURES THAT OFFER QUICK AND EASY FIXES
TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
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• Remember that there are no magic pills or miracle cures for achieving quick weight loss or treating medical conditions.
Weight loss scams promise dramatic results with little to no effort. The scammers might promote unusual diets; revolutionary exercises; fat-busting devices; or breakthrough products, such as pills, patches or creams.
here are fraudsters out there who hope to take advantage of people’s suffering. The three most common types of health scams are miracle cures, weight loss programs and fake online pharmacies. In all cases, they often appear as sponsored posts on social media or website pop-ups.
Scammers offer products and services that seem to be legitimate alternative medicines and treatments that quickly and easily treat serious conditions. Some of these may seem to be endorsed by celebrities or promoted by testimonials of people claiming to have been cured.
Fake online pharmacies offer drugs and medications at very cheap prices or without a doctor’s prescription. They advertise on the internet and send spam emails. If you do receive the promised products, there is no guarantee they are the real thing or safe to take.
• Don’t trust claims about medicines, supplements or other treatments. Get the facts straight from your healthcare professional.
If you suspect a scam, always report it.
AntiFraudCentre.ca 1‑888‑495‑8501
let me help you through this next chapter in your life.
• Give you tips on staging your home to appeal to the most Buyers. • Keep you updated with the most current information of what’s happening in the market today. • Screen any potential Buyers so your sale goes smoothly. • Guide you through the completion of your sale.
Rebecca Worthington REALTOR®
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• Never commit to anything under pressure, especially if a large advance payment or long-term contract is required.
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IDENTITY THEFT
Help ensure your identity remains yours alone!
S
cammers are always on the lookout to collect or reproduce your personal information to commit fraud. Thieves can make purchases using your accounts, obtain passports, receive government benefits, apply for loans, and more. This could turn your life upside down. Fraudsters use techniques that range from unsophisticated to elaborate. Offline, they can go through trash bins or steal mail.
Online, they can use spyware and viruses, as well as hacking and phishing. They look for credit card information, bank account details, full name and signature, date of birth, social insurance number, full address, mother's maiden name, online usernames and passwords, driver's licence number, and passport number. Identity theft is a serious crime!
TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF: • Never provide your personal information over the phone, via text message, email or the internet. • Avoid public computers or Wi-Fi hotspots, such as in coffee shops, to access or provide personal information; they put you at risk.
Protecting Your PIN 1 If you have a chip card, insert the card first. If the point-of-sale
device is not chip capable, it will prompt you to swipe your card. Avoiding an unnecessary swipe of the card will reduce the potential of your card information being skimmed.
2 Use your hand or body to shield your PIN during every
transaction conducted at an Automated Banking Machine (ABM) or at the checkout.
3 Keep an eye on your debit card when conducting a transaction
at the checkout.
4 Check your banking statements regularly and contact your
financial institution immediately if you detect any unusual activity. For example, purchases you did not make or missing charges.
5 Notify your financial institution immediately, if your debit
card is lost, stolen or retained by an ABM.
6 Memorize your PIN - only you should know it. If you suspect
that someone knows your PIN, even a friend or family member, change it immediately.
7 Select a unique PIN. Never use obvious information, such
• Create strong and unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Password-protect your devices and home Wi-Fi network.
as your telephone number, date of birth, address or Social Insurance Number. These are numbers often stored in the same place as your debit card, enabling criminals to easily guess your PIN.
• Use a secure and reputable payment service when buying online—look for a URL starting with "https" and a closed padlock symbol.
8 When using an ABM, if you suspect anything unusual, do
• Avoid giving out personal information on social media. It can be used along with your pictures to commit fraud. • Always shield your PIN when using your card. If you hand it over to a cashier, never lose sight of it. • Shred and destroy documents with personal information.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! If you could change someone’s life by answering the phone, would you?
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not use the machine and report it to the financial institution immediately.
9 Remember to take your card when the transaction is complete.
Be alert. If someone is watching you or makes you feel uncomfortable, cancel the transaction and use a different machine.
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SeniorsSafety 2021
101- 1116 6th Ave Prince George Please call 250-562-1292 www.legion43pg.ca PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
AiMHi PROVIDES AiMHi PROVIDES Opportunitiesand andSupports Supports Opportunities
to people who have special needs and their families. Our culture empowers all people, bot to those peoplewe who have special needs their to families. Ourbest culture allhome people, both support and those weand employ live their livesempowers at work, at and in the those we support and those we employ to live their best lives at work, at home and in the community. Strong communities recognize and celebrate the value of all citizens. community. Strong communities recognize and celebrate the value of all citizens.
AiMHi supports over 1000 infants, children, teens, adults, AiMHi supports over families 1000 infants, children, teens, seniors and their throughout the year. adults, We offer a vast seniors and their families throughout the year. We offerrespite, a vast array of services such as residential living options, array of services such as residential living options, respite, employment, educational and community access services. employment, educational and community access services. Our residential services are provided on a 24 hour/7 day per Our residential services are provided on a 24 hour/7 day per week basis. Additionally, we provide various advocacy support week basis. Additionally, we provide various advocacy support programs for people who live in this community. programs for people who live in this community.
Funds raised through donations make a real difference! Funds raised through donations make a real difference!
AiMHi would your support! a Registered Charity, AiMHi would lovelove your support! As aAs Registered Charity, AiMHi utilizes gifts donations to improve the quality AiMHi utilizes gifts andand donations to improve the quality of of people with special needs families. There lifelife for for people with special needs and and theirtheir families. There are are a number of ways in which support AiMHi a number of ways in which you you can can support AiMHi
Make a one-time charitable donation: Make a one-time charitable donation:
Many individuals choose to help AiMHi by making a one-time Many individuals choose to help AiMHi by making a one-time financial fits their budget. A of gift of amount any amount is sincerely financial gift gift thatthat fits their budget. A gift any is sincerely appreciated be acknowledged recognized. So, whether appreciated andand will will be acknowledged and and recognized. So, whether want to make a gift to AiMHi of $5.00, $50.00, $500.00 youyou want to make a gift to AiMHi of $5.00, $50.00, $500.00 or or $5000.00 or any other amount are comfortable giving, $5000.00 or any other amount that that you you are comfortable giving, you you doby so calling by calling 250-564-6408. cancan do so 250-564-6408.
Become a corporate sponsor: Become a corporate sponsor:
Corporate sponsorships areare greatly appreciated. If you ownown or manage a business and and wantwant to support the work Corporate sponsorships greatly appreciated. If you or manage a business to support the work ofof AiMHi in in your community wewe willwill sincerely appreciate the the gift gift of your choice. YourYour financial gift or your gift of AiMHi your community sincerely appreciate of your choice. financial gift or your gift of product or or services willwill help AiMHi help people in your community. And,And, of course, we will appropriate product services help AiMHi help people in your community. of course, we provide will provide appropriate acknowledgement and recognition of your corporate support in a in manner acceptable to you. For more information acknowledgement and recognition of your corporate support a manner acceptable to you. For more information please contact: finances@aimhi.ca please contact: finances@aimhi.ca
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PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
SeniorsSafety 2021
A15
KEN KEN GOSS GOSS
Honesty Honesty || Integrity Integrity || Transparency Transparency
250-565-7653 250-565-7653 RE/MAX RE/MAXCore CoreRealty Realty #18 #18--556 556N. N.Nechako NechakoRd, Rd, Prince PrinceGeorge George250-645-5055 250-645-5055 Each Eachoffice officeisisindependently independentlyowned owned&&operated operated
What What are are your your retirement retirement plans? plans? Are Are you you thinking thinking of of downsizing? downsizing? Want Want to to enjoy enjoy retirement retirement at at one one of of our our many many local local lakes? lakes? Do Do you you want want to to travel travel and and avoid avoid winter winter and and shovelling shovelling but but still still have have aa base base here here in in Prince Prince George? George? Thinking Thinking of of an an investment investment property property to to supplement supplement your your retirement retirement income? income? Talk Talk to to Ken Ken Goss. Goss. He He can can help help you you with with the the options options open open to to you you for for this this stage stage of of life. life.
Let Let Ken’s Ken’s 30+ 30+ years years of of experience experience in in real real estate estate help help you you reach reach your your retirement retirement Real Real Estate Estate goals. goals.
Call Call Ken Ken Goss Goss today! today!
Retire Retire Happy! Happy!
Ken Ken & & Darlene Darlene A16
SeniorsSafety 2021
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN