This week Innisfail is one of many communities recognizing and honouring the difference seniors make.
Albertans across the province are joining in the festivities and activities during Seniors Week from June 6 to 12.
The Innisfail Seniors Drop-In Centre is coordinating a bus trip to Cochrane, Alberta.
“We're thinking about going down to Cochrane,” said Eileen Reid, program coordinator with drop-In centre. “It would be an all day bus trip. They have a really nice museum there, we'd go shopping, have a lunch and enjoy the day.”
Plans for the bus trip are still being finalized, noted Reid, adding they would like to offer a discount to seniors if possible.
“We're trying to raise some money so we can subsidize the bus trip a little bit, but as of yet, we haven't had anyone step up to help,” she said, adding they would split the cost of the bus trip if it cannot be subsidized.
In addition to the trip, the annual Mayor and Seniors' Garden Party is being held on June 8 at the Innisfail and District Historical Village from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
“We'll be having homemade pie and ice cream for refreshments this year along with hot and cold beverages,” said Karen Bradbury, the town's community and social development coordinator. “We are having a children's activity corner as well. We want to encourage that inter-generational connection (between seniors and children),” she added, noting some of the entertainment for the event. “We have the high school senior jazz band and the Centennial Fiddlers performing that day.”
Reid said seniors play an important role in the lives of families, communities and in many organizations. Their contributions can be seen through their volunteer work, support of local charities and the many areas they are involved with in the community, said Reid.
She said it's important to thank seniors for their hard work, time and dedication.
“They appreciate the recognition, they really do. They've done a lot and they've seen a lot in their time, and they still have a lot to offer,” said Reid. “I think it's really important that they're recognized and that they are put in the public eye for people to appreciate and recognize that they are still valuable and contributing members to our community.”
Eileen Reid, program coordinator with the Innisfail Seniors Drop-In Centre
"I think it's really important that they're recognized and that they are put in the public eye for people to appreciate and recognize that they are still valuable and contributing members to our community."
