Dallas-based Buckner Retirement Services is going for the gold. 

Last year, the company started the Going Gold for Senior Living campaign, meant to support local senior living communities, as well as residents and staff members. Displaying a gold ribbon outside of one’s home, business or church throughout June is designed to demonstrate this support.

“We launched Going Gold for Senior Living in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic as a way to increase awareness and public support for residents and senior living communities and the front-line heroes working there,” Buckner President Charlie Wilson said. 

Last year’s campaign was a hit in both Buckner-operated senior living communities and beyond, the company said. The gold ribbons were scattered statewide, with many people wanting to make a positive difference.

Because of this success, Buckner decided to make it an annual occurrence.

Wilson attested to the campaign’s success.

“Supporting the people who live and work inside senior living communities is something we should do in both difficult times and good times, which is why we want to make Going Gold an annual occurrence every June,” he said.

Because of the amount of calls and ideas from people in support of the campaign, in addition to ribbon distribution, Buckner made a list of other ways for people to show seniors and senior living workers appreciation. 

The list includes:

  • Becoming a volunteer at a local senior living community.
  • Walking or sponsoring a walker in a local Heart Walk for the American Heart Association.
  • Posting a positive testimonial on social media about an experience in senior living, using the hashtag #SupportSeniorLiving.
  • Collecting clothing and/or supplies for under-served senior living community residents.
  • Having children or grandchildren send pictures, cards or letters to senior living residents — or become a penpal with a senior living resident.
  • Encouraging children to share impactful stories they share with their grandparents.
  • Advocating for state and federal laws impacting senior adults and senior living by writing to elected officials.
  • Bringing well-trained pets to visit residents and staff at a senior living community.
  • Sponsoring an event at a senior living community that is open to all residents and associates.

All six of Buckner’s senior living communities across Texas have gold ribbons in their reception areas for those who want to show support. There is also the option to buy gold ribbon from local craft stores or online.

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