Story and photo credits: Helen Oldershaw, Salmo CRN Coordinator
The Salmo Community Response Network (CRN) brought true jolly vibes to the community this season with its Seniors Winter Dinner, an event that blended festive cheer with a meaningful focus on connection, inclusion, and adult abuse prevention. While laughter, warm conversation, and holiday spirit filled the room, the heart of the gathering reached deeper: ensuring older adults feel seen, supported, and connected.
What unfolded was a remarkable community effort. In total, 240 meals were shared through a combination of a sit-down turkey dinner, home-delivered meals for homebound seniors, and meals for 25 volunteers. This collective act of care helped extend the joy of the season well beyond the event itself, reaching seniors wherever they were and strengthening a sense of belonging during the holidays.
CRN Coordinator Helen Oldershaw took the opportunity to ground the celebration in education and awareness, delivering a 15-minute presentation on the vital role communities play in preventing adult abuse, neglect, and self-neglect. Her message resonated strongly, with 30 attendees signing up for an upcoming BC CRN educational workshop in the new year. Resources and information were shared through a well-attended display table and were included with meal deliveries, transforming festive moments into opportunities for learning and prevention.
The event also fostered a safe, welcoming environment for seniors experiencing heightened vulnerability, including those living with dementia. For many caregivers, participation in community life can become more difficult over time, increasing feelings of disconnection. Gatherings like the Seniors Winter Dinner offer not only joy, but reassurance and meaningful social contact – protective factors that help reduce risks associated with abuse and neglect. Several attendees shared that this event was one of the few occasions they were able to reconnect with long-time friends.
Made possible through the collaboration of community partners, including the Salmo Legion, Salmo Legion Auxiliary, Nav-CARE, United Way, Salmo Community Resource Society (SCRS), and the Salmo Food Bank, along with countless volunteer hours, the Seniors Winter Dinner demonstrated how jolly vibes can lead to lasting impact. As reflected by Coordinator Helen Oldershaw, the most powerful outcome was the shared sense that community support is always within reach, especially during the holiday season.
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