1.          What/Who does SUN represent?

SUN stands for Alberta Seniors United Now Society and is registered under the Alberta Societies Act (#5010654969)

SUN is a non-profit, non-partisan organization created to enable ALL Seniors in Alberta to contribute and truly participate in the well being of the province.  We are dedicated to ensuring the equitable treatment in the community, for Seniors by making our collective voices heard.  We are committed to being a contributing part of the changes necessary to meet the dynamics of a growing and changing Senior population.

Our Vision:  To be a Leading Resource and Advocate on Seniors Issues.

Our Mission: To unite every individual Senior in Alberta under one umbrella organization so that we, the Seniors of Alberta, may speak with one voice on the issues that matter to us.

2.          What is SUN’s history?

April 2003                 Yvonne Sutherland and Grahame Blundell form SUN to fight for Senior’s lost benefits.

August 2003              Bylaws registered – the Society is formed

November 2003        Election of Board

January 2004            Database created on computer; Bylaws updated

May 1, 2005              Appointment of Ron Ellis as Executive Director

January 1, 2009      Appointment of Jaqueline Biollo as Executive Director 

November 1, 2010   Appointment of John MacDonald as Executive Director 

3.          How is SUN helping Seniors?

Identified Member PRIORITIES:

§        Certainty of standards and monitoring of supportive and long-term care facilities and confidence that compliance shall be enforced.

§        Increase of qualifying income levels for Seniors Financial Assistance

§        Restoration of vital extended health care benefits for ALL Seniors including dental, eye care, hearing aids

§        Reinstatement of property tax credit for Seniors

§        Reduce co-payment percentage charge on prescriptions.

§        Reduction in long-term care accommodation rates

§        Government supplement to offset increased natural gas heating and electrical costs

§        Establishment of an Independent Seniors Advocate (ISA)

§        Need for review and innovative thought in regards to seniors housing and transportation.

We COMMUNICATE:

§        with public officials by sending letters and attending meetings

§        with the media by sending out frequent media releases

§        with other seniors groups in the hope of achieving cooperation in our efforts

§        with individual seniors through presentations/rallies and our website/e-mail

§        through Regional Boards and Chapters

We PARTICIPATE:

§        in media interviews

§        cooperative efforts with other senior focused organizations

RESULTS:

§        SUN is the largest Seniors’ advocacy organization in Alberta.

4.          How can Seniors help themselves?

SUN members must realize that the effectiveness of these activities is hugely influenced by the size of our membership.  Seniors are in the unique position of having knowledge and experience beyond the ordinary.  We have a responsibility to use that knowledge and experience to guide our elected officials and they have a responsibility to listen.

1.      Become a member now.

2.      Renew your annual membership.

3.      Talk to your relatives, friends and neighbours and encourage them up to sign up as SUN members.

One member of SUN shared the following story with us:

She was asked by her children what would she like for her birthday?  Like most seniors she had learned the need to be frugal and had long since accumulated the functional household items required.  Admittedly she was finding it more and more difficult to pay her monthly living costs but this was not something she wished to burden others with.  Her answer – she asked each of her children to become members of SUN and to actively participate to bring about a better life for all persons as they grow older.

4.      Make a donation and encourage others to make a donation.

5.      Exercise your vote.

6.      Volunteer.

7.      Attend Annual General Meeting, rallies and other activities organized by SUN.

8.      Contact government MLA’s by sending letters and making telephone calls.

5.          Who can be a member of SUN?

Any person in Alberta can become a member of SUN.  However, only those people 55 and older may vote at the Annual General Meeting.

6.          How do I apply for a membership?  How long is the membership valid?

You can apply for an annual membership (that will be renewed on your anniversary date) by filling out an application form and send it to the office along with payment (cheque or cash). 

           Annual:       $15 per year per person     $25 per year per couple

           Lifetime:     $150 per person               $250 per couple

To get an application form:

·        Visit our membership page.

·        Call the office at 780-449-1816 or visit the office in Sherwood Park.

·        Mail us your name, address, and phone number along with your payment for membership. 

In all cases we will acknowledge your application by sending you a Welcome Letter, a membership card and an information package about SUN. 

7.          Do government or private funds subsidize SUN?

SUN is entirely funded by members’ fees and fundraising activities.  WE ACCEPT NO PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT FUNDS.  We will accept grants and donations from individuals, corporations, and organizations in order to help minimize our membership fees.

8.          How are my membership fees being used?

Your membership fees are used for the usual office expenses, rent, photocopying, postage, internet access.  In addition, a significant portion of membership fees is spent on communicating with and keeping our members informed.  We encourage our members to read our quarterly newsletter - The Sunburst, attend the Annual General Meeting, Regional meetings, Chapter meetings and other functions organized by SUN. We have two paid part-time employees: An Office Administrator and an Executive Director.  The majority of salary expenses are covered by fundraising activities. Directors are not paid, however they are reimbursed for out of pocket expenses when they are on SUN business.

9.          How do I spread the word about SUN in my community?

Talk to your friends, neighbours & relatives about SUN and what we are trying to accomplish.  Urge them to become members or make a donation.  You can also call the office to request that we send out to you a brochure and applications to help with the recruiting process.

10.     Who are the Board of Directors?

The Board of Directors is comprised of nine directors representing a varied group of mostly retired people.  You can view their biographies on our web site. 

11.     How do I contact SUN?

Phone:           780-449-1816

Fax:               780-449-1475

E-mail:           unitenow@telus.net

Address:         SUN (Seniors United Now)

                     #15, 2016 Sherwood Drive

                     Sherwood Park, AB T8A 3X3

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