Local organizers behind a project in honour of Seniors’ Week are thrilled with the community’s generous response.
Recently, local municipal governments teamed up to encourage locals to support the project, which included the collection of gifts for local seniors to make Seniors’ Week that much brighter.
“It was very successful - I was so surprised by the outpouring of support that we got initially,” said Lara Angus, communications officer for the Town. “We were asking for 280 pieces of art and right off the bat, we received 260,” she said.
“So everyone really stepped up and pitched in.”
Angus said in talking with local facility managers to help arrange the event, they all said residents really appreciate receiving homemade gifts especially from kids in the area.
So she reached out to local school districts in the area and day cares, and asked if there would be any interest in participating.
“And there was enough initially, that I thought we could probably give out 280 to match up with the activity kits that the library is helping put together as well,” she explained.
“So it’s basically a care package, and we have all kinds of things. We have homemade bookmarks, we have paintings, drawings, letters, stories - it’s been really cool. There has been such a big variety to it,” she said.
The gifts will be delivered on June 10th as part of Seniors’ Week.
Angus explained that in past years, members of the Town and County councils would have ‘social hours’ during each weekday of Seniors’ Week, where they would visit the facilitated living centres, socialize with residents, and deliver fruit trays, she explained.
Of course with the pandemic, adjustments have had to be made, she added, noting that it’s also a tradition that is just too important to let slip by.
“My grandparents are in this demographic in this area, and I recognize people that I grew up with because of my grandparents. The stories you hear when you are in there - it just makes it really fun,” she added.
In the meantime, nominations are being accepted for the Minister’s Seniors Service Awards which recognize individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations who support seniors, lead the way for improved services and contribute to strong communities.
The deadline for nominations is June 30th.
Categories for eligibility for the Minister’s Seniors Service Awards run the gamut from an individual award which goes to an individual Albertan or couple, of any age, who provides volunteer service, demonstrates philanthropy or outstanding service to seniors in Alberta.
A business award recognizes an Alberta business or corporation that exhibits excellence in innovation or philanthropy in support of Alberta’s seniors.
A non-profit award goes to an Alberta non-profit organization that exhibits excellence in innovation or outstanding service to Alberta’s seniors.
There is also a Special Service Award – Alberta Spirit for an individual, business, or nonprofit organization that has brought joy to isolated seniors to promote wellness and reduce social isolation, according to a release.
“This new Special Service Award highlights an area of particular importance in any given year – the Alberta Spirit.”
Also, there is the Alice Modin Award which honours an individual or couple who is 65 years or older and has been volunteering in their community for 20 or more years; actively promotes volunteerism and/or has had a provincial impact through their volunteer efforts.
“This award is given in honour of Alice Modin who, more than 30 years ago, campaigned for a seniors’ day in Strathcona County, and paved the way for the province-wide Seniors’ Week we celebrate to this day.”
For complete details, check out https://www.alberta.ca/ministers-seniors-service-awards.aspx