World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th this year, and Service for Seniors in Portage is spreading the word.

Senior Resource Coordinator Kaylee Hannah says they're holding a fundraiser the day before.

"It's going to be held at the west side of the Herman Prior Activity Centre, along the building from 11:00 a.m. till 1:30 p.m. It's outside the building in the parking lot there. We are serving a to-go-style lunch. The menu options will be a roasted turkey sandwich, or egg salad sandwich, and then it will include dessert, a drink, and a bag of chips for $10. We're accepting pre-orders."

She says walk-ups are also accepted, and a raffle is involved, as well. Hannah explains several prizes have been donated from local businesses. 

"Then we're also selling 50/50 tickets. We do know that mayor Sharilyn Knox proclaimed June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 3rd. And it's the day that acknowledges and recognizes the importance of addressing and preventing elder abuse and neglect of older adults. It could be anything from physical abuse to mental abuse, emotional, and financial abuse, as well. There's lots of different forms that it could come in."

Hannah says it happens more often than people realize. You might not even know that you're dealing with it until you learn about it.

"The day shares information, helps us learn more, and discuss the issue of abuse of older adults and to become involved. Purple is the colour for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. So, wear purple that day!"

She adds the money raised will be used to advocate for for seniors who are suffering from abuse and help raise awareness through brochures, pamphlets, presentations, and other special projects as opportunities arise. 

"We're here to help them and point them in the right direction and give them those resources."