Police Help Senior With No Heat, Power

VICTORIA - When Victoria Police Constables Jan Malinosky and Becky Pollock knocked on the door of an elderly man's Hillside Avenue condominium Thursday, they knew something was wrong. "All his lights were off, we checked the fuse box, and everything seemed to be ok" says Pollock. "He was a little confused, and a little upset, and it took some time to calm him down" adds Malinosky.

They quickly discovered the 95-year-old's power had been cut off, and the unpaid bills were on the kitchen table along with thousands of dollars in Canada Pension cheques. "He'd been signing the back, endorsing them, but feeling overwhelmed and not making it to the bank physically" says Malinosky.

They say the man was starting to get cold, so they stayed with him for hours, cashed his cheques, got the power turned back on - and got to know him. "The more time I spent with him, the happier I got. He was just a good guy, good sense of humour, and he seemed to be doing great" says Malinosky.

Senior's advocates say the story is all too familiar, and it's up to all of us to keep an eye on the elderly who are living alone. "We do know that neighbours look out for neighbours, and a lot of times postal workers can determine when there is a problem" says Susan Brice, Director of Silver Threads in Victoria.

And that is exactly what happened in May in Saanich, when postal worker Jim Faulconnbridge noticed a 90-year old man along his route hadn't collected his mail or newspapers for close to a week. His response -- saved the man's life. Saanich police later found the man lying on the floor, unable to get up. He'd been there for five days without food or water.

Malinosky and Pollock have already paid a return visit to check on their new friend, and found out he'll be alone on Christmas. Not anymore. "We're going to head back over there Christmas night, and take him some food, and hang out with him and have some more laughs maybe" says Pollock.

"Sometimes you go home and think did I help anybody today? And this is one of the times we really did" adds Malinosky. An early Christmas gift one person...will never forget.

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