Our Story
Our Story - ICAN Seniors Association
The journey from an ad hoc group to the full-fledged organization we are today was revolutionary and memorable. We began in 2017, intending to teach the English language to immigrant seniors and enculturate them to spark a sense of belonging. We had a small group of volunteers who reached out to seniors through social media, gradually attracting the masses. By the end of 2018, we welcomed 380 seniors willing to add some value to their lives and change for the better.
With time, we realized that the essence of human connection lies in meeting in person, so we reached out to many community partners for a space where older adults could learn and socialize with others in person. Their genuine desire to learn and a sense of confidence encouraged us to initiate various programs and projects. This helped us acquire the status of a non-profit organization in 2020 and we came to be known as ICAN Seniors Association. It was a milestone for all of us.
This wouldn't have been possible without our determined and forward-thinking volunteers. We had over 100 volunteers, and to date, the family is growing significantly. Their support and patience while teaching seniors and making them feel comfortable is genuinely remarkable. Together, we helped the older adults learn language and technology and connected them to the world's current pace and generation.
ICAN Seniors Association witnessed significant changes when we collaborated with Westend Seniors Activity Center and Edmonton Seniors Center, becoming the critical alliance with YEG players. This allowed us to provide resources to a significant number of seniors and extended our family. Additionally, we expanded our learning from the English language to technology, cooking, mental health awareness, financial literacy, fun trips and many more.
ICAN Seniors Association has enabled more than 1,000 seniors to live a quality life. We gathered all the immigrant seniors facing the same challenges to create a sense of belonging. This allowed them to relate, connect and grow together.
We understand the hardships faced by them in a foreign country, culture, language and way of life, but together, we aimed and succeeded in creating a sense of oneness.
Our Statistics
380 seniors joined the online group by the end of 2018
In 2020-2021 alone, 824 seniors joined us on WeChat
We conducted 312 online events
1,408 members participated online
We support 3,500 seniors in Edmonton and Calgary
We had 5,760 cumulative participation in online activities
We delivered 520 Christmas gifts to family members
We provided 8,000 masks and 200 bottles of sanitizers to 400 ICANSA members within one week
We made 32 home visits and provided 192 telephone services
We had 720 cumulative participants for volunteer training and workshops
The numbers are growing and so is family. Today, we have 126 volunteers and 264 registered members to serve 824 seniors in Alberta.
Our Programs
Teaching English through the WeChat app
English corners
Learn-to-Camp
AI workshop
Health care Information Session
Senior benefits Workshop
Winter Safety Orientation
Dental Hygiene, and many more
No, this is not the end. We have a variety of activities, field trips and gatherings that give happiness, joy and new beginnings to the adventurous stage of a senior’s life and for that, we strive to work hard and meet our goals.