History

SHARON ELLIOT
The tin cup movement was started in Vancouver by Sharon Elliott when she teamed up with the Marpole Oakridge Family Place and together they organized three rallies to draw attention to the plight of seniors regarding pensions.   
Sharon saw a woman taking bottles and cans out of a garbage can in a nearby park, so she approached her and had a conversation about pensions and shared with her what she was trying to do.  Sharon said the woman was clean, neatly dressed and didn’t appear to have any mental health issues.  The woman told Sharon she had to collect bottles etc., as she didn’t have enough money to live each month.   They agreed that soon seniors would be standing on corners holding tin cups in order to survive each month.  Hence the name Tincup.

CAROLE FAWCETT
In December of 2023, Carole Fawcett of Vernon, BC also organized a protest, unaware of Sharon’s demonstrations in Vancouver.   As a Writer and retired Counsellor, Carole was aware of challenges that some seniors were having, due to low pensions.  Sharon reached out to Carole after seeing her on a Global News piece and they now work together to get the word out about this group.  

Sharon concentrates on politicians as she is closer to the hub of Provincial Government.  Carole focuses on communications with media and public.