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By Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

June 15

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: LEARN hosts 4th Annual Seniors’ Talent Showcase at Nord-Bridge

Jun 13, 2025 | 5:07 PM

As communities worldwide prepare to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, the Lethbridge Elder Abuse Response Network (LEARN) brought the message of prevention, support, and empowerment to centre stage, literally, at its 4th Annual Seniors’ Talent Showcase, held at Nord-Bridge Seniors’ Centre.

The Seniors’ Talent Showcase, held on Friday, June 13, celebrated the creativity and vibrancy of Lethbridge’s older adults. Seniors from across the city—including participants from both LSCO and Nord-Bridge—shared talents ranging from music to comedy.

While the event highlighted the joy and contributions of older adults, it also served as an important platform to raise awareness about elder abuse and the resources available through LEARN.

LEARN, a program led by the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization, is at the forefront of elder abuse prevention and response in Lethbridge and southern Alberta. The LEARN team provides free intervention, safety planning, emotional support, and connections to vital community resources for older adults experiencing or at risk of abuse.

Through ongoing education, workshops, and outreach, LEARN empowers caregivers, professionals, and the public to recognize the signs of elder abuse and take meaningful action. Collaboration is key to LEARN’s approach. Case Managers work closely with other senior-serving agencies—including the Lethbridge Police Service—to strengthen the network of support for older adults.

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At the talent showcase, Cnst. Brent Brusse addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of reaching out for support in cases of financial, emotional, or sexual abuse.

Other agencies that support the goal of elder abuse prevention were also in attendance, including Green Acres Foundation and Nord-bridge.

“Last year alone, LEARN investigated 179 reports of elder abuse, with nearly half involving financial abuse and over half involving a family member as the alleged abuser,” says Amy Cook, Support Services Manager of LSCO. “Our work is about more than crisis response—it’s about building a safer, more informed community where seniors are respected and empowered every day.”

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, established by the United Nations, is a global call to action for individuals, organizations, and governments to recognize, prevent, and respond to the abuse and neglect of older adults. It highlights the urgent need to protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of seniors everywhere.

For more information about LEARN, elder abuse prevention, or to access support, visit www.lethseniors.com/learn or call 403-394-0306.

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