During the COVID-19 pandemic, seniors have been one of the groups hardest hit by the virus and lockdowns associated with it.  

Community Links has done their best to make sure that seniors are receiving the support they need and they'll continue to do that by hosting some upcoming free presentations for people over 55 as well as their family members.

The first comes up this Wednesday (April 7) and will discuss benefits and credits that are available to seniors from Revenue Canada.

"We have Bonnie McIntyre from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) coming just to chat about some of the programs seniors might not be aware of or some of the ones they might have questions about," says Community Links Community Engagement Manager Laurie Jacob-Toews.  "What we've learned in the past is that not everyone, especially when they're 64, turning 65, is they might not know what programs they're eligible to apply for or they might not know they need to apply so far in advance. We really just want to get that information out to them."

The discussion will include common types of income and credits for seniors like pension income splitting, RRSPs, Old Age Security repayment, payment methods, authorizing a representative and the Climate Action Plan.  

The presentation will take place via Zoom from noon to 1:00 pm, Wednesday, April 7th.

The second free presentation will come up on May 5th and will be something that many seniors seem to be targetted.  Jacob-Toews says it's an unfortunate reality that scammers prey on people and often choose seniors as their victims.

"It's just a presentation to let seniors know how to recognize a scam, examples of what fraudulent communications might look like, and how to prevent themselves from being taken advantage of and protects themselves."

The fact that some recent COVID-scams have popped up is also very timely for the presentation, which again will be facilitated by Bonnie McIntyre from the CRA.

It too will take place on Zoom.

Community Links is also excited to host Karen Cuthbertson from Caregivers Alberta for a Caregivers Support Group session on Tuesday, April 21st at 1:30 pm.  The Support Group provides social support for individuals who are caring for a senior.  Educational resources and presentations are offered as well as opportunities to network and share challenges and successes with other group participants.

To register for any of these sessions or to learn more go to the Community Links website HERE.  You can also call 403 945-3900 or 1-866-945-3905. 

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