SAN DIEGO, CALIF. (July 7, 2020) – St. Paul’s Senior Services will hold a daytime, virtual candlelight vigil, “Remember Me,” on Wednesday, July 8 where staff and residents will participate to honor and remember all seniors during this difficult time, especially those affected by COVID-19.

In collaboration with the Global Ageing Network (GAN), St. Paul’s will be one of many senior living communities across the U.S., and around the world, honoring seniors, and bringing attention to older adults, the population  most vulnerable to COVID-19, yet not made a priority for supplies and support at the beginning of the outbreak, resulting in unnecessary loss of lives. They will also remember seniors and caregivers who have passed as a result of COVID-19.

“The lack of awareness of the needs of seniors and their caregivers has highlighted a level of ageism around the world,” said Cheryl Wilson, CEO of St. Paul’s Senior Services, who is also a GAN Board Member. GAN members throughout the world will be hosting similar events on July 8, sending a worldwide message and show of support for seniors.

From 12noon to 12:30pm on July 8, St. Paul’s will gather remotely, and virtually together, across all of its communities, programs and support system, for a beautiful candlelight vigil with prayer led by St. Paul’s Chaplain John Cole.

Together, with GAN, St. Paul’s wishes to bring focus to San Diego seniors and remind local, state and national officials to consider and act on behalf of our senior population during times of crisis.

For more information, please visit https://www.stpaulseniors.org or call (619) 239-6900.

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*Editor’s Notes: Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 and St. Paul’s particularly fragile population, only essential healthcare staff is allowed to visit. We cannot invite guests (including working media) in to film the event, but we will be capturing footage that we will share with the stations, immediately following, and media is also welcome to join the Zoom event.

 **Sound/Visuals include: Opening remarks, prayer, and candles/moment of silence, and a song.

 ***As always, St. Paul’s staff and residents/seniors will be socially distanced and wearing masks.

 ****St. Paul’s has had zero residential cases of COVID-19 at any of its communities.