A national initiative to recognize seniors and their contributions to the community will be held in Chilliwack next week.
To mark the October 1 Seniors Day, the Chilliwack & District Seniors' Resources Society (CDSRS) has gone all out to put on an informative and entertaining day for seniors and their guests.
The Seniors Fair and Exhibition takes place at the Landing Sports Centre (45530 Spadina) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"It's a day for the community to celebrate seniors, and to recognize their accomplishments as active citizens," says Coletta Holmes, executive director at CDSRS.
Last year, Chilliwack marked the day with an evening social hour, Holmes explains. Though the evening went well, guest feedback suggested a day event, with more information about the programs and services available to seniors.
Well, ask and you shall receive.
This year's full-day event will include more than 50 exhibitors serving senior needs, expert guest speakers, and live entertainment.
"Many seniors want to be involved, they want to be independent, and they want to help others. This is an opportunity for their voices to be heard," says Holmes.
The keynote speaker of the day is Canada's first appointed Seniors Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie. In this role, Mackenzie works with seniors, policy makers, service providers and others to identify and address system-wide issues that affect the well-being of B.C.'s near 700,000 seniors.
With 20 years of experience working with seniors, Mackenzie is well-prepared to make informed recommendations to the Minister of Health to improve the care and welfare of our aging population.
Mackenzie's 11:00 a.m. presentation and Q&A, What Matters to B.C. Seniors Today?, will show Chilliwack seniors that their voices are represented.
Earlier in the day at 9:15 a.m., Nazlin Khamis from Pharmasave Health Centre Chilliwack, will present ways for seniors to take charge of their health and wellness, and at 10:15 a.m., Aileen Mittoni from Service Canada will provide an overview of Canada's public pension system.
"Come prepared to enjoy the day," Holmes suggests. "But we also encourage seniors to bring their questions and concerns."
Whether you're looking for fun activities to try, solutions for health concerns, ways to give back, or even help with your pets, the Seniors Day exhibition will guide you in the right direction.
Discover the plethora of senior-oriented organizations and businesses in Chilliwack and surrounding areas, including the Elder College, Connect Hearing, The Seniors Transition Team, the Alheimer's Society of B.C., and many more.
There will even be representatives on-site for seniors who are looking for employment and volunteer opportunities.
With all of these amazing exhibitors on display, wouldn't it be great to take home one resource that lists them all?
Now, there is.
The Chilliwack Seniors' Living Well Resource Guide will be officially unveiled at the event.
The guide will provide Chilliwack seniors "with information on a number of programs, organizations and services they can access to help them develop or maintain a healthy and vibrant lifestyle," says Carol Marleau, Manager of Leisure Development at the City of Chilliwack.
The celebratory day will also include door prizes, refreshments, and of course, a little dancing.
Beginning at 1:00 p.m., husband and wife duo Sweetwater will delight the crowd with a fun mix of rock n' roll, country and easy listening music to dance to.
There is no admission fee for seniors. Guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation for The Full Cupboard.
Learn more about the Senior's Day fair and exhibition at cdsrs.ca or by calling the Seniors' Resources Society at 604-793-9979.