Ladysmith program has students helping seniors

Program from Employment Navigators

A popular program that benefits local seniors and youth is returning for its fifth year.

 

Employment Navigators’ Students Helping Seniors helps match students looking for work and a reference with seniors who may need a little extra help.

 

Emily Van Waes, program co-ordinator, said there has been a lot of positive feedback about the initiative over the years.

 

“The goal of our program is to match students age 14 to 18 with not a lot of work experience with seniors who need household chores or yard maintenance done,” said Van Waes.

 

Van Waes said students get experience, a reference and an income while seniors get help.

 

“It’s really good for both.”

 

Van Waes said they also seek sponsorship to help seniors who may not be able to pay for the work.

 

Any seniors or students wishing to take part must call Employment Navigators or stop by to fill out an application.

 

The students selected must attend an orientation with RCMP and WorkSafe BC and Seniors’ Centre.

 

Last year, Van Waes said they had 50 students come out.

 

Van Waes said there has been a lot of positive feedback about the program, as they always do a follow up with seniors who are getting work done and the students.

 

For more information on the program, stop by the Employment Navigators at 710 First Avenue, call them at 250-245-7134 or visit www.employmentnavigators.com.

 

Ladysmith Chronicle