Valentine’s Day is always a fun time to connect with others, and Tri-Cities Seniors Action Society ensured they held an inclusive party. They hosted an online Zoom party with a mix of planned activities, games, memories, time to socialize with fellow seniors and prizes.
Victoria got in on the Valentine’s fun, too. Their purpose was to ensure marginalized people would not feel forgotten on a day that celebrates love and kindness. Partnering with Cool Aid Society, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to ending homelessness for seniors and other vulnerable adults, the Victoria team of non-profit staff and volunteers delivered Valentines to 500 people. Each themed bag included a card, a large heart cookie decorated by a local bakery and other SWAG.
The best way to connect community members with services is to let them know what you do – and feed them! Doug Newberry, Regional Mentor for Kootenay East, spoke to 55 attendees (mostly seniors) at Golden CRN event Keeping CRN Alive: What, Who and Why is a CRN? Doug explained what CRNs are and how they help vulnerable people across B.C. A buffet lunch followed that, and was “enjoyed by all judging from the number of trips they made to dish up.” Information packages were delivered to an additional 25 frail or unwell older people.
Nelson CRN brought together Indigenous elders to teach younger women how to make traditional ribbon skirts. The Circle of Indigenous Nations Society (COINS) coordinated the event and brought supplies, equipment and refreshments. This exciting project has been a few years in the making and Nelson hopes to continue for the newly created National Ribbon Skirt Day.
The Intergenerational Family Swim Day was a hit for the Sparwood CRN, bringing 26 families, totalling 86 people, to the District of Sparwood Leisure Centre for a fun day in the water. Five volunteers handed out information and SWAG at a BC CRN table. Notably, several participants came from Fernie and wanted to know if a CRN would be coming to their community. Many thanks to the Leisure Centre who partnered and helped to make the event a success.
Image sources: Gabi Townsend Victoria CRN / Golden & Region Senior’s Society and Centre Valentine’s event
