The key to the effectiveness of the Wise Owls program is community support and involvement and it is a well-recognized concept that using seniors themselves as presenters to educate other seniors is a very effective tool. To this end the BC Crime Prevention Association sought a partnership with the BC Hydro Power Pioneers as an active and vibrant group of retired employees who were dedicated to provide volunteer hours in educating their peers about the potential for our elderly population being defrauded.

Wise Owls Objectives:

• to identify common frauds and scams
• to identify ways in which seniors can recognize a fraud or scam
• to provide information seniors safety at home and in the community
• to provide information on community resources

Whilst conventional theory articulated by experts suggests that owls are not actually wise, myth, legend and culture developed over centuries have created an unshakable image that owls symbolize knowledge and wisdom.

BCCPA and the Crime  Shield Program draw upon such folklore by offering a program of education for seniors in which seniors themselves, through their maturity, experience and wisdom teach other seniors - their contemporaries - how to avoid becoming victims of the most common frauds. Seniors presenting to seniors
are called Wise Owls.

BCCPA is partnered with BC Hydro Power Pioneers in the Wise Owls program to offer workshops to seniors throughout the Province of British Columbia wherever seniors gather whether it be community halls, churches, associations, seniors centers or even shopping malls.

If you would like a presentation to a seniors group on any of the following topics:

• Home Security
• Street Sense
• Personal well being
• Banking and legal issues
• Frauds & Scams
• Investment Fraud (new)

Please contact the Provincial chairperson of the Wise Owls:
                Verna Webb
                Tel: 250-477-9367
                E-mail: wiseowlvw@telus.net