WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL TO OUR SPONSORS WHO GOT US TO WHERE WE ARE OR SUPPORT US TODAY
WE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT IS TREATED AS CONFIDENTIAL. WE ARE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTION REGARDING IT.
We have members across BC, and we acknowledge the multiple First Nations traditional territories where we live, work and play.
Our organization is centered on the islands of the Mid-Salish Sea.
As such we specifically acknowledge our hosts of several nations, collectively the SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples, also referred to as the Malchosen, the Lekwungen, the Semiahmoo, and the T’Sou-ke. We share a way forward based on mutual respect and marked by stories of our communities sharing healing together in this time of Truth and Reconciliation.
May the voices of our ancestors lead us in our work and our touch always heal.
ABOUT THE COOP
Our Co-op has served communities in need for over a decade, beginning with support groups in downtown Victoria as Rainbow Health Co-op. From 2018–2022, we completed a community-based research project with the University of Victoria, the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, and funding from the Vancouver Foundation. The research confirmed a significant overlap between gender-diverse and neurodiverse communities something long observed in our groups, now backed by national data. This perspective highlighted the impact of trauma-related disorders. In response, we developed Community Wellness Practices programs that not only provide a specific service, but also reduce trauma’s effects. We are grateful to our Indigenous partners for guiding us in this work.
As a result of this research project, the co-op was reorganized following the pandemic and now operates as two related co-ops to fulfill a common mission of mitigating trauma in marginalized communities. Our Community Health Initiative Cooperative is our charity.
Tau Wellness Co-op is our operational worker’s co-op.
The O_CHI dash states that equity is never dependent on identity
The O_CHI logo is five rings that overlap each other surrounded by a circle of dots.
The five rings represent our shared communities.
The overlap represents the intersectionality of our communities.
The colours represent the uniqueness of each, white our common struggles
The Silver center represents our common goal of improving wellness
The circle of dots represents our ongoing welcome to all to join us.
OVERVIEW
The Betwix’d Improv Puppet Program 2025 – 2026 is a creative, community-based initiative designed to educate seniors on fraud prevention through engaging, humorous, and interactive puppet performances.
Delivered in partnership with local senior centres, law enforcement, and community health organizations, the program aims to empower older adults with the knowledge and confidence to recognize and avoid scams.
The Betwix’d Troupe is anchored by gender/neuro diverse, Indigenous community elders. We believe that by demonstrating we are in service to our shared communities, society will come to respect the value of diversity.
JUST LIKE YOUR FAVOURITE PIZZA PLACE, OUR PROGRAMS ARE ALWAYS 2 FOR 1!
WHY THIS MATTERS: THE GROWING THREAT OF SENIOR FRAUD
Fraud targeting seniors is a rapidly escalating issue in Canada. According to the 2025 FCT Fraud Insights Report, fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, leveraging technology and social engineering to exploit vulnerable populations [1]. Key findings include:
• Seniors are disproportionately targeted due to isolation, trust in authority, and unfamiliarity with threats.
• 96% of Canadians aged 65+ believe companies and institutions must do more to protect them from fraud
• Common scams include impersonation fraud, phishing, investment fraud, and romance scams
• Scams often result in significant financial and emotional harm.
EMERGING
TRENDS IN FRAUD (2025)
• AI-generated scams: Deepfake voices and synthetic identities are being used to impersonate family members
• Phishing via text and social media: Fraudsters exploit platforms where seniors are increasingly active.
• Real estate and service fraud: Seniors are targeted with home repair, insurance, or investment schemes.
EFFECTIVE AWARENESS & MITIGATION STRATEGIES
• Timely, seasonal, Interactive education: Programs that use storytelling, humor, and role-play are more memorable and impactful. For example, seniors participating in a role-play scenario recalling key warning signs later.
• Community-based delivery: Familiar, trusted environments like senior centers increase participation and retention.
Hosting sessions at local senior hubs ensures attendees feel safe and more willing to engage.
• Partnerships with law enforcement: Co-delivered sessions with police enhance credibility and provide real-world examples.
A police officer sharing actual fraud cases helped participants connect theory to practice.
• Printed and digital takeaways: Reinforcement materials help seniors share knowledge with peers and caregivers.
Tip sheets placed on community bulletin boards often spark follow-up conversations among residents.
• Trauma mitigation supports participants’ resilience:
Managing emotional impacts by offering trauma mitigation helps build long-term resistance to manipulation.
• Reach at least 500 seniors per year across Vancouver Island: This target ensures broad regional coverage and equitable access to fraud prevention resources. Sessions hosted in both urban centers and smaller communities.
• Protect seniors this coming holiday season:
Timely programming during high-risk periods helps prevent seasonal scams. Seasonal themed sessions highlight common fraud tactics and offer practical prevention tips.
• Connect with over 2,200 seniors and elders over the next three years: Multi-year outreach supports sustained engagement and deeper community impact. Annual follow-ups and repeat visits to reinforce learning and build lasting relationships.
• Deliver 20+ puppet performances in collaboration with senior centers and community policing units: Puppetry offers a playful, engaging way to present serious topics, improving retention and understanding. Seniors easily recalling key scam prevention tips weeks after a puppet show.
• Distribute fraud prevention kits with tip sheets, contact info, and reporting tools: Each kit serves as a personal safety resource, empowering seniors to take informed action. A future caregiver sharing that the kit helped her mother recognize and avoid a phone scam.
• Evaluate impact through pre/post surveys and feedback forms: Surveys help refine programming and demonstrate measurable success. Sessions showing a 40% increase in participants’ confidence to report fraud.
• Include a healthy snack at every community engagement session: Nutritious refreshments encourage attendance and support overall well-being.
Creating a welcoming, comfortable learning environment by offering fruit, tea, and granola bars.
• Provide trauma mitigation and wellness support at each community engagement: Integrating emotional care practices helps participants feel safe, supported, and resilient. For example, sessions may include grounding exercises, peer support circles, or access to wellness resources.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
• Increased awareness and understanding of fraud among seniors: Seniors will be better equipped to recognize scams before falling victim. For example, after attending a session, a participant might identify a phishing call and warn their neighbours.
• Strengthened community partnerships and engagement: Collaborations with local organizations foster trust and long-term support networks. Joint events with Indigenous friendship centers and local libraries have led to ongoing co-hosted programming.
• Reduction in isolation for all participants: Group activities and shared learning experiences help build social connections. Participants staying after sessions to chat, exchange contact info, or plan future meetups.
• Measurable improvements in social outcomes in our regions of practice within a decade: Long-term tracking will reveal how fraud education contributes to healthier, more connected communities. Communities with sustained programming reporting increased volunteerism and intergenerational engagement.
• Reduction in trauma-related disorders through community wellness practices: Integrating emotional support and wellness tools helps participants process past experiences. For instance, peer storytelling circles helping reduce anxiety related to past scam encounters.
• Recognition of businesses that are active in reducing fraud affecting seniors and elders: Highlighting fraud-aware businesses encourages ethical practices and community trust. For example, a credit union hosting awareness posters receiving public acknowledgment or awards.
REVENUE AND CONTRIBUTIONS
Funding for senior-focused fraud prevention programs typically comes from a diverse mix of community-minded contributors and government funding. Local businesses and financial institutions often support these initiatives, recognizing the importance of protecting older adults. Telecommunications, utilities, and retail chains may also contribute through sponsorships or in-kind donations. Government grants, while remaining essential, tend to be one-off, restrictive and not cover the range of expenses required for robust fraud protection education. Support by the business and banking sectors is critical to stemming the tide of fraud targeting seniors and elders.
Foundations and nonprofits focused on aging and community health are key partners, offering grants and advocacy. Arts and culture organizations can provide technical and promotional support.
Digital revenue such as sponsored content, online monetization, and upselling additional elder’s education can help sustain programming. Community contributions through ticket sales and donations also play a role.
Senior centres, retirement communities, and wellness programs often co-host or co-fund performances, especially when fraud prevention aligns with broader health and safety goals.
THREE YEAR PROGRAM BUDGET AND RETURNS
With a total 3-year budget of $145,331 and an outreach goal of 2,250 individuals, (500 attendees / year x 3 years=1500 + 750 allowance for info diffusion) the cost per person for this program is approximately $64.59. This figure is notably cost-effective when compared to typical fraud prevention programs targeting seniors in Canada, which often range from $100 to $500 per participant. The program offers a high-impact, community-centered approach at a fraction of the usual cost, demonstrating strong value for investment.
Personnel (Coordinator, Community Wellness Workers)
(Puppets, Kits, Scripts)
(Honorariums and/or Grand Prize?)
• Personnel (Community Wellness Workers): Covers costs for the team delivering the program, including planning and facilitating fraud prevention education.
• Materials (Puppets, Kits, Scripts): Includes the cost of creating and maintaining puppets, assembling educational kits, and developing or licensing scripts used in performances.
• Travel (Island-wide performances): Accounts for transportation, fuel, and related expenses for delivering performances across Vancouver Island communities.
• Marketing & Outreach (Print, digital, sponsor visibility): Supports promotional materials, digital outreach, and sponsor recognition to ensure strong community engagement and visibility.
• Evaluation (Surveys, feedback analysis): Funds the design, distribution, and analysis of participant feedback to assess program impact and guide improvements.
• Overhead & Administration (10%): A standard allocation to cover administrative costs such as oversight, reporting, insurance, and general operations.
THERE IS A WAY YOU CAN HELP, JUST ASK!
SPONSORS
Sponsors are essential partners in the success of the Betwix’d Improv Puppet Program, helping us bring engaging, educational performances to seniors across Vancouver Island. Their generous support fuels every aspect of the program from live shows and volunteer training to the creation of fraud prevention materials.
HOW SPONSORS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
FUNDING PROGRAM DELIVERY
Sponsor contributions directly support performer stipends, travel expenses, puppet maintenance, set design, and production materials ensuring high-quality, community building performances.
EXPANDING COMMUNITY IMPACT
By backing a creative, grassroots initiative, sponsors champion senior safety, digital literacy, and social inclusion. Their support helps reduce isolation and empowers older adults with practical fraud prevention tools.
STRENGTHENING PUBLIC TRUST
Sponsors align themselves with a trusted, community-based initiative, building goodwill and fostering authentic connections with older adults and their families.
ACCESS TO EDUCATIONAL EXPERTISE
Many sponsors bring years of experience in fraud prevention and financial literacy. Their materials and insights help keep our program content current, relevant, and impactful.
SPONSOR AND COMMUNITY PARTNER BENEFITS
MEMORABLE VISIBILITY THROUGH PUPPET COMMERCIALS
Each performance includes a lighthearted, custom puppet commercial that reflects the sponsor’s mission and values. Delivered in the same theatrical style as the show, these segments entertain while reinforcing the sponsor’s role in promoting senior safety.
MEASURABLE SOCIAL RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI)
Sponsors receive regular updates on program reach, audience feedback, and community outcomes demonstrating the tangible impact of their investment
MULTI-CHANNEL RECOGNITION
Sponsors are also acknowledged across a variety of platforms, including:
• Printed programs and educational handouts
• Digital outreach (email newsletters, social media, and website)
• Media coverage and community bulletins
• Volunteer training materials and community presentations
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Sponsors may be invited to participate in community events, panel discussions, or post-show Q&As offering direct engagement with audiences and stakeholders.
BRAND ALIGNMENT WITH SOCIAL GOOD
Supporting Betwix’d positions sponsors as champions of elder empowerment, fraud prevention, creative education, and inclusion of diversity values that resonate with socially conscious consumers and clients.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Make your brand part of something unforgettable. The Betwix’d Improv Puppet Program is a touring community wellness initiative that brings fraud prevention education to over 2200 seniors across Vancouver Island through 20+ interactive, humorous performances. By sponsoring this program, you’ll not only support a vital community cause you’ll also gain unique visibility through custom puppet commercials, logo placements, and public recognition. With tiered sponsorship options starting at just $250, there’s a meaningful way for every organization to get involved. Join us in empowering seniors and showcasing your commitment to community wellness.
PHONE OR EMAIL TODAY TO GET STARTED!
INFORMATION RESOURCES
Information resources are central to the program’s strategy for educating seniors about fraud prevention. These resources serve to:
• Enhance credibility through partnerships with trusted institutions like police departments
• Broaden outreach through networking with senior advocacy organizations.
• Provide accurate, localized content for puppet scripts, handouts, and fraud prevention kits.
• Support outreach and sustainability by connecting seniors with ongoing services and reporting tools.
• Enable collaboration with community policing units and health organizations in co-hosting events
THESE RESOURCES INCLUDE:
• Law enforcement agencies (e.g., Sooke RCMP, Victoria Police, Saanich Police) offering fraud awareness talks and community policing.
• Health and elder advocacy organizations (e.g., Island Health, Seniors First BC, Office of the Seniors Advocate) providing referrals, legal support, and scam prevention materials.
• Community directories like Seniors 101 and Community Policing Centres that distribute educational content and host workshops.
THESE RESOURCES ARE ASSEMBLED INTO A SINGLE TAKEHOME PACKAGE:
Materials are assembled from multiple information resources and delivered to participants in sturdy canvas shopping bags, soon to become the fashion accessory across Vancouver Island while anchoring the lessons learned through regular use in shopping transactions.
