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Savvy Seniors to focus on safe travel, finances

Day-long White Rock event aimed at boosting safety for adults aged 55 years and older.
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Travel expert Claire Newell is to speak at Savvy Seniors.

Safety – travel, financial and personal – is the focus of a day-long event for seniors set for March 1 at the White Rock Community Centre.

Organized with adults aged 55-plus in mind, Savvy Seniors is to feature guest speakers, break-out workshops and opportunity for attendees to put their questions directly to local experts.

A special guest is hoped to further entice local seniors to participate.

Travel expert Claire Newell told Peace Arch News she will address "all sorts of things" – from tips for travelling safe, to trends and deals – to help seniors travel smart. She'll also suggest a number of travel-safety apps for smartphones, such as Help Call, which dials 911 internationally with one click of a button.

White Rock RCMP crime prevention co-ordinator Julia Everett said police and fire officials will cover when to dial 911 – to report an emergency or crime, but not an earthquake – and what happens once those buttons are pushed.

"I think it's important for people to know the process," Everett said.

Break-out sessions will cover fire safety in the home and emergency preparedness; financial fraud and elder abuse; personal safety; mature driving; and fraud.

"It's all important information," Everett said, noting financial fraud can be particularly hard-hitting.

"It's not that the numbers (of victims) are so large, but when they do get people to fall for it, it can be extremely devastating and wipe out their finances."

Everett stressed that the goal of Savvy Seniors is to share information to help seniors boost their safety at home and abroad.

"We don't want people to be fearful, and think crime's waiting around the corner, but just a little extra vigilance can go a long way to make sure you're not a victim," she said.

The sessions will be interactive, and the day is to include lunch with White Rock Mayor Wayne Baldwin and RCMP Staff Sgt. Lesli Roseberry.

Everett encouraged anyone interested to register as soon as possible, as space is limited. Call 604-541-2199.

There is a $5 charge to secure a seat; lunch is included, sponsored by the Semiahmoo Volunteer Community Policing Society. Door prizes will also be awarded.

 



Tracy Holmes

About the Author: Tracy Holmes

Tracy Holmes has been a reporter with Peace Arch News since 1997.
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