The Chilliwack and District Seniors Resource Society is optimistic that the Time Out program will be saved.

But not thanks to the government.

Residents, groups, societies and businesses have all stepped up.

Last week the society laid out its Adopt-a-Senior campaign to cover the funding shortfall left by the Fraser Health Authority. In order to continue the Time Out program, for seniors at risk of isolation, the society needed 225 of its seniors sponsored.

As of Monday morning, 162 seniors had been sponsored at $30 a month each – two-thirds of the way to the society's goal.

"We've had quite a number of individuals and groups step forward," said Al Hunt, president of the society. "It tells me that people care about our seniors, that they feel very strongly this program should continue."

In July, the FHA notified the society that it would be canceling its annual funding, worth $77,000, for the Time Out program.

Ninety seniors are directly affected and more than 800 seniors are indirectly affected.

In the last two weeks, four seniors involved in the Time Out program were hospitalized for high blood pressure and other stress-related issues.

"It's put a tremendous stress on the people in this program," said Hunt.

The society hasn't yet heard from Chilliwack's MLAs or anyone else in the Liberal government, despite sending hundreds of letters opposing the cuts, protesting local constituency offices, and attending rallies.

"We pay a lot of taxes," said Hunt. "It bothers me greatly to hear about all these cuts that are happening. It doesn't make sense that the bureaucracy remains intact, but all the services are gone."

Chilliwack MLA John Les told The Progress that he's spoken to FHA officials, and expects to speak with the Minister of Health, Kevin Falcon, this week with hopes of reclaiming some funding for the program. However, he's not overly optimistic he'll find success.

"I don't want to get people's hopes up, it's going to be tough," Les said. "To be honest, if we find a way of keeping the funding going, I'd be very surprised."