Feature photo credit: Logan Lake CRN – Seniors Coffee Social
As winter settles over the province, our CRNs are busy delivering educational workshops and hosting seasonal events to keep isolated and vulnerable community members informed, connected and engaged. Wherever you are and however you celebrate the holidays, be safe and take time to experience the warmth and fun of connecting with your community. Contact your local CRN for information, to volunteer, or attend upcoming events. Here are a few CRN highlights from around the province from the last month.
Wrapping Up the Year
As our CRNs wrap up the year with educational events, many of the workshops are geared towards helping vulnerable members during a time of heightened struggles due to seasonal pressures. Loneliness can lead to an increase in self-neglect and holiday stress can result in abuse or self-abuse among elderly and vulnerable members. We can’t thank our members enough for the care and attention they give to their communities.
- Vancouver South Granville and Fairview CRN hosted a Senior Support & Solutions Fair to directly connect seniors to local essential services, resources and support systems for mental health, healthcare, daily living and financial advice. Attendees were able to visit with service providers, gather information and receive personalized advice while enjoying light refreshments and a chance to win a door prize. Thanks to community partners and participants: South Granville Seniors Centre, 411 Seniors Centre Society, Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West End, City of Vancouver, Red Cross, Friendly Calls Program, Seniors First BC, Pine Tree Pharmacy, Tuktu, Memorial Society of BC, Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre, The Maids, Seniors on the Move, Ears to You, Heart to Home Meals, Terraces on 7th, Home Health at Evergreen Community Health Centre and Live Peace 24/7 Seniors Care.
- Campbell River CRN held a Seniors’ Network Awareness Event to connect service providers and community members and encourage people to keep referral resources handy over the holidays. Attendees enjoyed baked goods with light refreshments and were encouraged to bring a donation for the food drive in benefit of the Campbell River Food Bank. Thanks to community partners: Campbell River Community Centre, Campbell River Seniors Network.
- Barriere CRN held a Scam and Fraud Awareness lunch and learn workshop in partnership with the local RCMP. With improved AI tools, fake websites and phone calls are harder to detect for people looking to make donations or buy gifts online. RCMP presenters highlighted the most recent scams and provided information on how to detect and report them effectively. Attendees were also delighted with a special holiday performance from a local daycare/preschool. Thanks to community partners: Yellowhead Community Services, Barriere RCMP, North Thompson Better at Home, Little Stars Daycare and Preschool, District of Barriere and Barriere Home Health.
- Coastal Coalition CRN has been responding to growing concerns and requests for support to isolated and vulnerable communities on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The CRN is helping to organize charter services for counsellors, substance use workers and other service providers to be transported to several remote villages and provide needed help and education. The CRN also hosted a Vital Conversations workshop in Tofino, bringing together more than 60 participants from First Nation communities, businesses, schools, resorts and youth leaders. Participants and speakers spent the day in discussion on the issue of assault response. Thanks to community partners: West Coast Community Resources Society, Island Health and Clayoquot Biosphere Trust.
Spreading Holiday Cheer
As December can be a busy month for many people, some of our CRNs have already held their seasonal events. Some folks gathered for traditional sit-down turkey dinners and some had meals or care packages delivered. Here are a few of the CRNs spreading holiday cheer:
- In late November, Kamloops CRN hosted their 6th annual Seniors Christmas in partnership with the Kamloops Brain Injury Association (KBIA), Better at Home and the Centre for Senior Information (CSI). The full turkey dinner is paired with goody bags filled with CRN pamphlets, bookmarks, pens and other resource materials. The event is a wonderful opportunity for the CRN representatives, KBIA staff, injury survivors and community partners to connect and celebrate together. The CSI has expanded this year and will oversee the Secret Santa gifts to Better at Home recipients. Thanks to community partners: KBIA, Better at Home, the Centre for Senior Information, CFJCTV 7, Kamloops This Week, London Drugs and Secret Santa Kamloops.
- Bowen Island CRN hosts a bi-monthly lunch program to reduce social isolation for local seniors. The early December lunch was upgraded to a ham dinner with all the fixings for 50+ guests. CRN representatives hosted an information table at the dinner and ensured guests left with resource materials. Thanks to community partners: Seniors Keeping Young Group, Royal Canadian Legion, United Church of Canada, Snug Cove House and Bowen Island Community Health Centre. Thanks also to the many volunteers.
- Salmo CRN is hosting a turkey dinner for local seniors that can make it out to the Legion. For those unable to make it in person, meals will be delivered. The dinner is a great way to prevent seniors from becoming isolated this time of year. Students at Salmo Elementary participated by making cards and small craft bags to go with each meal. Thanks to community partners: Salmo Legion #217, Salmo Ladies Auxiliary to the Legion, Salmo Food Bank, Salmo Paramedics, Salmo Elementary School students and teachers, United Way Food Supports, Salmo Newsletter, Salmo Facebook admins and many volunteers.
A Look Back
The APNI (South Asian) CRN is known for their travel adventures. For the last 12 years, CRN Coordinator, Surendra Handa, has created and presented various cruise opportunities to members. He then takes great care crafting itineraries for those who sign up for each adventure.
In light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, Mr. Handa recently submitted a story looking back on their November 2022, 14-day cruise around the Mediterranean that included a 2-day stop in Ashdod, Israel. Here are excerpts from his first-hand account:
This travel group consisted of a rare combination of mostly seniors but included a few young children and younger adults. The trip included visits in Turkey, Egypt, Israel and Greece. This trip would not be possible now because of war torn Gaza settlements in the Middle East.
The cruise began and ended at the Istanbul port and included stops in Alexandria, Ashdod and Heraklion, Crete. Some of the excursion highlights were:
- Turkey: a visit to the world famous Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazar, Dolmabahce Palace and a visit to ancient ruins in Kusadasi.
- In Alexandria: a visit to Cairo, the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza. Some people had the opportunity to take a camel ride.
- Heraklion, Crete was a detour due to security reasons in Izmir. The weather was wet but many people still chose to take a bus tour of the city attractions.
When the ship was docked at Ashdod, Israel for two days, we organized a visit to the historical Holy Cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, as well as the Dead Sea. Many tried to swim or wet their feet in the sea but it was very rough and many started feeling itchy because of too much salt and minerals. We even visited Jericho, one of the oldest cities situated in the West Bank settlement region. All 72 members visited this region and had our most delicious five course lunch in the oldest city restaurant where both vegetarian and non vegetarian meals were available.
For days at sea, entertainment events were organized on board the ship and included playing bingo, singing Bollywood and Punjabi folk songs and dancing. All 72 members enjoyed these celebrations.
APNI South Asian CRN November 2022 cruise members. Photo credits: Surendra Handa
In Case You Missed It
On the first Tuesday of each month, BC CRN hosts an online workshop featuring one of our four main programs. Our next one is the “It’s Not Right” workshop on January 7, 2025. Visit the events page to learn more and register for upcoming webinars. To request a presentation, see the Programs page or email programs@bccrns.ca.
From September through May, we also feature regular Provincial Learning Events (PLE) . We are always on the lookout for relevant topics and resources to help navigate current issues facing older and vulnerable adults and welcome your suggestions!
- November’s topic was Older Adults Staying Safe Online, a presentation on digital literacy with guest speakers from Connected Canadians. Watch all our past webinars on-demand.
- Our next PLE will be on January 21,2025. Watch our website and socials for more information.
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Explore our website to learn more about BC CRN or connect with your local CRN for more information or resources.
