Sandra Holmes
The second Tuesday in the month is a day that seniors in Clearwater and surrounding area look forward to.
Several years ago, under the inspiration and leadership of councillor Shelley Sim and with the assistance of a grant applied for through the District of Clearwater, a coordinator was hired to organize informational events for seniors. The once-a-month events took the form of a speaker followed by lunch.
Every event was very successful, attracting from 40 to 60 seniors each month. The DOC’s grant money was depleted after a year and the project considered over.
Wells Gray Country Seniors Society, appreciating the importance of the educational event and lunch, applied for and received a grant from the federal government's New Horizon for Seniors program. With the grant funds, WGCSS was able to continue the monthly lunch and expand the education program to include forming connections with the community.
Hiring a coordinator was key to the continued success of the programs being offered.
Another year has gone by and the NHFS grant project is complete. The seniors of the area have been asking for more educational opportunities. There are many workshops of interest to seniors available.
WGCSS has sought additional grant funding so the seniors programs can continue. However, to date WGCSS has not been successful.
Understanding that maintaining program continuity is important to seniors and matching grant application deadlines and project end lines is a challenge, District of Clearwater has granted sufficient funds for the information and lunch portion of the seniors program to continue until October.
A small committee of volunteers continues to seek more secure funding to support the expanded program.
On April 12, Pharmasave pharmacist Jag Deol gave an informative talk to about 40 people at the Elks Hall on how medications can affect the absorption of vitamins and minerals in your body.
The topic on May 10 will be Alzheimer’s. This program will begin at 10 a.m. with lunch to follow. Call Lynne to register at 250 674 8185.