submitted by Jill Woodley
If you feel like the summer of 2023 is moving along at the speed of light, you are not alone. Over the last two months, we welcomed over 120 folks to the annual seniors’ BBQ, celebrated the Municipal Civic Awards, served up a Victorian Tea, and held our Annual General Meeting. All this is on top of the day-to-day activities, Meals on Wheels deliveries, friendly visits, and drives for clients. Summer is bidding us adieu, and we begin to follow the path leading us to autumn.
In the last week of June, the Lions Club served up a delicious BBQ lunch at Maplewood Park in Oxford Mills. Under the swaying trees and warmth of the sunshine, volunteers set up festive picnic tables, musicians Chris and Jean Jacques strummed their guitars, and the BBQ sizzled with burgers. Picnic attendees decked out in red were treated to a very special afternoon. Once again, Mayor Peckford led a dance-off to add more minutes to the ParticipACTION challenge—SCS clients and volunteers clocked over 19,000 minutes in June. Singing, dancing, friendships, and great food. It was the perfect end to a month-long Seniors Month.
On June 8th, the SCS Transportation Service volunteer drivers were recognized for their outstanding contribution to North Grenville at the Municipality of North Grenville Civic Awards. The award for the volunteer group (seniors) was presented to the SCS volunteer team who gave over 11,000 hours of service transporting seniors and adults living with physical disabilities to appointments. From Kingston to Ottawa, Merrickville to Manotick, and everywhere in between, over 88,000 km were covered over the last year. Congratulations to the SCS volunteers who continue to impact this community with their dedication.
For many, September’s approach means the beginning of a new year. The golden colours envelop us and we begin to plan for the months ahead. At SCS, we are no different, and our planning is full steam ahead. Fundraising for our services and programs is paramount for success, and we are excited to offer the third Photos in the Park event on Saturday, September 23rd. This is an opportunity to get professional photos from a local photographer and help raise funds for services that support hundreds of folks in North Grenville. Picture perfect! Details can be found on our website, or by calling the Centre. Spaces are limited, so don’t delay.
In November, our Wreath and Planter fundraiser will be back! Decorate your doors and porches in support of our Meals on Wheels Program. With increased food costs, this fundraiser helps subsidize a fundamental source of support for the hundreds of seniors who rely on this door-to-door service. Did you know that in 2022, we delivered close to 8,000 meals to people in our community? Our volunteers ensure access to nutritious meals that offer peace of mind for our clients and their families. We look forward to another successful event and seeing your holiday spirit on every porch.
Keep an eye out for all the fun ahead. For more information, please reach out at 613-258-3203 or at hello@seniorscs.ca. Take a look at our website (www.seniorscsca) and access all of our news, including the most recent Annual Report. Follow our FB and Instagram too. We look forward to welcoming you to the Centre.
