The past five years has been a period of growth for Unison’s charitable activities and programs. This shift happened because more seniors have needed our help, from fleeing elder abuse, to food support. We have served more people affected by Elder Abuse not just in our Elder Abuse Shelter but also through outreach and casework management in both Medicine Hat and Calgary. A new Safe Spaces program in Medicine Hat is a responsive alternative to our brick-and-mortar shelters in Calgary. Unison also runs programs to address food insecurity experienced by seniors.
Food Banks Canada’s 2025 HungerCount report highlights a troubling rise in food insecurity among seniors in Canada. The key findings are 8.3% of food bank clients are seniors, up from 6.8% in 2019. This increase reflects a growing vulnerability among older Canadians, many of whom are facing difficult choices between paying for medications, rent, or groceries. In some regions seniors make up 22% of food bank clients, far above the national average.
Many seniors who access food banks like the one we run in Calgary would tell you that in their lifetime, they had never used a food bank, and they didn’t expect to be using one today. There are a few striking reasons why food bank use is increasing for seniors. Since 2021, the cost of living has skyrocketed. Household expenses like utilities and energy are up 26%, food by 25%, and transportation by nearly 20%, far outpacing wage growth. Many seniors rely on a fixed income comprising pension income or disability supports, which are often inadequate to meet basic living expenses. And finally, housing affordability, particularly for seniors living in market-rent housing are affected, with 70% of all food bank users in this category.
And, we need your help. As a part of this year’s Holiday appeal, we are trying to build and grow our monthly giving program. At Unison, we believe that every person deserves dignity, connection, and hope — especially those over 50 who find themselves facing unexpected challenges. Whether it’s a sudden job loss, a health crisis, or the quiet ache of isolation, the reality is that many older adults in our community are struggling. And they’re doing so silently.
Unison is the engine behind a movement that recognizes the unique vulnerabilities of the 50+ community who are at risk of homelessness, poverty, and social isolation. They are people who have contributed to our communities for decades, and now, they need us.
But here’s the truth: we can’t do this without you.
Monthly donors are the backbone of Unison’s work. They provide the steady, reliable support that allows us to plan, respond quickly, and walk alongside people for the long haul. When you become a monthly donor, you’re not just giving money — you’re giving stability. You’re giving someone the chance to breathe, to rebuild, and to believe in a future again.
When you give monthly, you help us:
- Give emergency support for seniors in crisis
- Offer long-term case management that builds trust and stability
- Create community hubs where people can connect, learn, and grow
- Advocate for systemic change that protects vulnerable seniors
Your donation goes directly to work — no delay, no detour. And because it’s monthly, it allows us to be proactive instead of reactive. It means we can say “yes” more often. Yes, to housing. Yes, to healing. Yes, to hope.
We know that giving is personal. It’s a reflection of your values, your heart, and your belief in a better world. That’s why we invite you to join us — not just as a donor, but as a partner in transformation.
Please consider becoming a monthly donor today. When we stand together, no one over 50 has to face hardship alone. You can sign up for our monthly giving club on our website, through our email appeal or just call Joy at 403-705-3254.
