The Seniors Emergency Preparedness Program on Quadra Island started at the end of November 2022 through the non-profit Quadra Circle organization. Program Coordinator Mike Gladish says the goal is to help seniors cope with extreme weather conditions—whether it's during winter storms or intense heat in summer.

The kind of help available ranges from snow shoveling, firewood delivery and clearing debris during winter, to supplying seniors with large containers for water or fans in extreme summer heat. Gladish says that anyone age 55 or older can receive the help, but they must first register through the organization's website.

The program is in its infancy and is funded through a $25,000 grant from The United Way.

The Quadra Circle organization is a network of seniors and service providers that's aim is to help seniors age in place; Gladish says the population of Quadra Island is roughly 3,000 residents and he estimates that about half of those people are over the age of 60.

Gladish discusses the program and services available in the interview below with CKTZ News: