I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I know I did, spending time with family and friends.
I am so thankful to have them in my life.
There were four generations of my family in my house over the holidays, and I saw firsthand the importance of coming together as young people, seniors, and those in between, to share what we have together.
That’s why I’m very proud that Williams Lake is on the map with its intergenerational project between local students and the seniors at Retirement Concepts.
Seniors are the backbone of our community, and they play a vital role in our lives.
On Wednesday I was so appreciative to receive $20,000 in grant money from Minister of State for Seniors Ralph Sultan to help the Senior’s Activity Centre upgrade its kitchen, and to provide Foodsafe and cooking classes for Williams Lake seniors. It’s great to see seniors’ efforts and contributions acknowledged and rewarded.
The grant application was written by City staff members Deb Radolla and Denise Skarra, and the minister told us it was one of the top applications among 65 submitted. Many thanks, Deb and Denise!
The grant was a direct result of a last-minute meeting with the minister at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in September, and it comes on the heels of Williams Lake receiving $100,000 each year for three years for the Better at Home program to help seniors remain at home in their later years.
Thanks to our MLA Donna Barnett for arranging the meeting and for advocating for Williams Lake seniors, and to the provincial government for recognizing the importance of caring for them.
It’s a new year, and a time for new beginnings. As always, we have choices in how we set our goals and how we set our attitudes. The future is what we make it, and I am very optimistic about 2013!
Kerry Cook is the mayor of Williams Lake.
