Senior Chill Out, a one-day donation drive to acquire new air conditioners, fans or funds to assist seniors with heat-related issues, was held this past Friday, June 30, 2017, in partnership with WEAR ABC 3, Cat Country 98.7, NewsRadio 1620, Magic 106.1 FM, and Lowe's Home Improvement. At day%u2019s end, the Pensacola, Gulf Breeze and Pace communities helped Council on Aging shatter nearly 10 years of Senior Chill Out records by donating 320 fans, 218 AC units and approximately $9,200, beating last year%u2019s numbers of 180 fans, 200 AC units and $8,000. From 6 am to 6 pm, Council on Aging staff, volunteers, board members and business leaders gave their time at five area Lowe's locations to raise awareness of the challenges many elders face during Florida%u2019s summer heat.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more people die from heat waves each year than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to being adversely affected by excessive heat due to slower adjustment of the body to changes in temperature, increased risks associated with other medical conditions and prescription medicines that can impair the ability to regulate temperature or inhibit perspiration.
"Northwest Florida%u2019s generosity simply cannot be matched," said John Clark, President/CEO of Council on Aging. "Every year, there is a new challenge. Every year, there are more people who desperately need our help, and every year, Escambia and Santa Rosa county residents and businesses answer the call. We are humbled and grateful. I thank you and seniors who would otherwise have no respite from the heat thank you."
Council on Aging of West Florida would like to especially thank all of our media partners, as well as Barberi Heating & Air, Casey's Hot Dogs, Krewe de Karnaval, Sue Hand, TLC Caregivers, Pete and Angela Moore, Home Instead Senior Care, Bob Solarski, Sue Straughn, Candy Cullerton, and all the volunteers who made this day a success.
Senior citizens interested in receiving AC units and/or fans should call Council on Aging of West Florida at (850) 432-1475 to complete a telephone assessment. AC units and fans will be distributed from the main Council on Aging offices at 875 Royce St. in Pensacola.
2024 Council on Aging of West Florida
P.O. Box 17066
Pensacola, FL 32522
Phone: 850-432-1475
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Council on Aging of West Florida is compliant with the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance Standards for Charity Accountability. Learn more at www.bbb.org.
