For more than 25 years, Saanich Volunteer Services has been matching people who need help with those eager to provide it. This week’s Vital People, from CHEK News and the Victoria Foundation, visits the non-profit to learn how services have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you have a few hours a week to spare, enjoy meeting new people and are looking for a way to give back to your community, Saanich Volunteer Services Society may be right for you. Learn more with a new Vital People, from CHEK News and the Victoria Foundation.

Saanich Volunteer Services Society is one of six organizations in Greater Victoria helping adults in the community stay independent in their own homes. 150 volunteers drive people to their doctor appointments and shopping appointments. The Society's volunteers also do minor home repairs and companionship - a key to combating social isolation in the senior community. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Society - www.saanichvolunteers.org

Thanks to CHEK News for putting together this BC Day Special - a compilation of some of our favourite Vital People segments from over the past few months. It features the Girls Circle Project, BC Search and Rescue, Saanich Volunteer Services, Boys & Girls Club Victoria, Headway Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson's Centre, Broadmead Care Society, NEED2 Suicide Prevention Education & Support, and Seachange Marine Conservation Society.

In BC, 36% of senior women and 17% of senior men live alone. The lack of social connections can negatively affect a senior's overall health. Bereavement or loss of a spouse is a key risk factor for isolation. The best way to reduce isolation is to help seniors get out of their homes and into the community. Providing opportunities to build trusting relationships can help address age-related challenges. Here's Betty's story. The Isolated Seniors Program, facilitated by the Saanich Volunteers Services Society for the Silver Threads, is a United Way-funded program to address the needs of an aging population. Betty now has a social network she can count on for friendship and assistance. Help United Way build a community where seniors can age with dignity. Please give to United Way at http://www.uwgv.ca or call 250-385-6708. Video by Jessica Clark http://jessclark.weebly.com and voice over by Bruce Williams.