The morning information session is gone, but the tradition of planting a lilac tree continues to help raise awareness of elder abuse in our community.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is on Monday, June 15, and members of Cochrane’s WEAAD committee and friends are marking the day with the tree-planting ceremony at Bethany Cochrane, 1000, 32 Quigley Dr., at 11 a.m. Mayor Jeff Genung will also be participating.

This will be the fourth lilac planted at a location in town that has a connection with the older adult population. In past years, they've been planted at Cochrane Cenotaph park, Cochrane Public Library, and Frank Wills Memorial Hall.

Purple is the colour affiliated with the response to providing support and awareness to seniors who are being abused.

Through Cochrane's Community-Led Elder Abuse Response (CLEAR), an extensive community-wide support network has been established for those impacted. It's an issue that can affect all walks of life in countless ways, including financial, sexual, psychological, and neglect.

Shockingly. research indicates one in 10 seniors are victims.