Innisfail and area seniors are being invited to attend the first ever, 55+ resource fair. On Wednesday, June 1 from 2-7 p.m. the Innisfail Legion will be filled with exhibitors ready to inform seniors and adults about how they can get involved with groups or events in the community.
The need for an older adult specific resource fair was discovered last year during the Envision Innisfail community consultations.
A forum was held for seniors at the Sunset Manor to take a closer look at the services in town that are aimed at supporting the growing 55+ population in Innisfail. Organizers discovered that there are many different services offered in town for seniors but the information about them is not readily available to all.
Following the forum a group was formed called the Envision Innisfail 55+ Organizing Committee. The group of citizens then set out to plan the information fair for seniors.
Organizers are hoping the fair will help seniors to find activities that will interest them.
“There are a lot of people that just don’t know what is offered and what is going on,” said Jean Bennett, one of the 55+ committee members, adding that the fair is for all adults and not only seniors.
“We don’t want anyone sitting at home when they could find something to do that they are interested in.”
Close to 40 different groups will be attending the fair with booths in four different categories, administrative support, recreation, health and wellness, and community support.
Booths providing information about transportation, housing, legal issues, and financial education will be featured in the administrative support category.
The health and wellness category will include booths providing information about chronic diseases, mental health, nutrition and home nursing care.
Representatives from the drop-in centre, the garden club, the library film circuit, the quilter’s guild, and pottery club will be on hand with information about their organizations.
Community support groups such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Henday Association, Lifeline, and Meal Express will also be in attendance at the fair.
Entertainment will be provided throughout the day with a fashion show at 2:30 p.m. a dancing demonstration at 3:30 p.m. an exercise demonstration at 4:30 p.m. and the Senior Serenaders at 5:30.
The Handi-bus will be available for booking to get seniors to and from the fair. Administration to the fair is free.
"We don't want anyone sitting at home when they could find something to do that they are interested in."
Jean Bennett
55+ committee member
