Lumby seniors are keeping extremely active.
For more than 25 years, the Whitevalley Community Resource Centre has been meeting the needs of seniors in Lumby, Cherryville and the surrounding rural area.
“The program is diverse, entertaining and helpful but most importantly, it helps our relatives and ourselves age in place,” said Gay Jewitt, executive director.
Among the initiatives are Breaking Bread which provides breakfast, a community garden, cooking classes for men and nutrition information.
The Fishing Forever partnership with the Lumby Fish and Wildlife Club takes seniors to the lake annually to catch the big one, while the Spring Fling and Fall Ball are regular events that feature where dancing, food and friends.
“When the driving conditions are a bit overwhelming, there are group outings arranged on demand such as shopping or to local farms,” said Jewitt.
“The seniors program also makes it possible to enjoy the company of younger folk through inter-generational programming.”
Other offerings are line dancing, painting lessons, cards, shuffleboard, monthly movies, Scrabble, indoor walking classes and winter swimming.
“The Home Handyman service can help you continue to live in your home when small alterations and carpentry are called for,” said Jewitt.
“The Good Morning program connects seniors with volunteers by phone.”
In addition to these social opportunities, the centre is an entry point for health-related education, monitoring and referral to other agencies.
The monthly Wellness Circle provides participants with weight checks, blood pressure checks, massage and chair exercise instructions.
“The drop-in also serves as a respite program for caregivers and a support group for caregivers acknowledges the challenges faced by those family members who are looking after ageing loved ones,” said Jewitt.
Information about programs and volunteer opportunities are available at the Whitevalley Community Resource Centre, the Lumby health unit or Saddle Mountain Place.
Presently, the centre is trying to raise $800,000 over five years to create an endowment so there is stable funding for programs.
“You can touch a life and help support the health and well-being of your community by contributing a legacy that will help us to continue the tradition of service,” said Jewitt.
For more information about the fundraising campaign, go to www.whitevalley.ca or call 250-547-8866.
