Throughout Seniors Week the Veiner Centre is encouraging non-members to visit the facility and participate in free activities being held in celebration.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
In recognition of the vital role older residents play by volunteering and building a supportive community, staff at the Unison at Veiner Centre are welcoming all non-members to celebrate Seniors Week with several free activities.
Staff at the Veiner Centre say this year they focused Seniors Week programming on engagement and participation by hosting group events that foster social relationships, including an outdoor workout, matinee movie and craft fair.
CEO Larry Mathieson says he anticipates the centre will be lively throughout the week, providing newcomers a taste of some of the programming they offer.
“We want to build a community of support at Veiner, so we really want that community and support to expand way beyond the Veiner’s walls,” says Mathieson. “We’re taking this as the opportunity to kind of open doors to people who might not have thought of joining or becoming a member.”
Seniors Week kicked off Monday morning as the centre welcomed police chief Alan Murphy and several officers for a ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event.
Wednesday the centre is hosting a free outdoor workout session, movie with free popcorn and an Asian-themed dinner.
Thursday the centre is offering a subsidized lunch to celebrate Seniors Week for all members and non-members.
Friday the ‘Unleashed’ arts and crafts market will run throughout the day in the Craft Room starting at 11 a.m. More details on all activities can be found online.
Provincial recognition
The week-long celebration has been recognized across Alberta since 1986 and this year will focus on encouraging seniors to embrace the aging experience.
However, Monday the province officially proclaimed, in perpetuity, the first full week of June as Seniors Week in Alberta.
During that announcement, Jason Nixon, minister of seniors, community and social services, announced the province will invest $18 million for new and existing seniors’ services initiatives including home support and outreach.
The funding includes $9 million toward in-home support in Calgary and Edmonton, with $3 million for community-based support in other major centres across the province.
The remaining $6 million will support the United Way of Calgary and Area to expand in-home non-medical support services.
“Our government is committed to supporting seniors in living and aging independently in their communities, which is why this funding is so important,” said Nixon. ” Access to more in-home and community support, along with strengthening outreach services in rural communities, will ensure seniors across the province can continue to contribute and be vital members of our communities for years to come.”
