submitted by Jill Woodley
In like a lion, and out like a wet tiger, March leads us to the anticipation of warmer days and flowers stretching in our gardens. With the welcoming of Spring, we are reminded of the value of our volunteers and the programs that are sustained by their generous gift of time. The heart and soul of SCS are the volunteers dedicated to our programs and services that enhance the lives of hundreds of older adults who are interwoven in the rich fabric of this community.
Community Champions Week started on March 20th, highlighting the SCS Meals on Wheels service. Over the last year, volunteers have delivered over 7,200 meals to clients throughout North Grenville. These are hot lunches or frozen meals that support access to nutritious food. On March 23rd, some of our MOW clients were treated to a special delivery from the Mobile Crisis Response Team – Constable Annie Collins, Nurse Kim Brouwer, and Staff Sergeant Rene Cadieux. They welcomed the chance to join us for Community Champions week and provided our MOW volunteer with her very own police escort. On March 21st, a wandering minstrel, better known as Chris Morgan, provided some beautiful music to a couple of stops along the way. A reversal of singing for your supper, it was a lunch time serenade, guitar and all.
“Our program is a partnership between Grenville OPP and Brockville General Hospital. We have two Registered Nurses from BGH who are embedded into the Grenville OPP, which means we ride with the designated officers and respond to live calls for service with the hopes of deescalating a situation, diverting from the local hospitals, and a longer-term goal of connecting people in crisis to community resources, ultimately reducing calls for service for police. We also provide education and attend as many community events as we can. We want people to know who we are and how to access us.” – MCRT Shawna Marshall, RN
April showers never dim the sunshine of National Volunteer Appreciation Week. During the week of April 17th, we will celebrate the unparalleled contribution of our volunteers with stories of inspiration and a special afternoon of gratitude. The appreciation started early with SCS volunteer Jean Hartjes being selected as the first recipient of the My Community Heroes Award by the Kemptville District Community Association. Jean has been a Meals on Wheels volunteer with SCS for the last 27 years and we are so happy her nomination was selected for this inaugural award. She is proof that one person can impact the lives of hundreds and inspire others to action as volunteers in this community. Congratulations Jean!
As we move into warmer weather, now is a perfect opportunity to move and stretch, and support your mobility. Chair Yoga is back! Complementing the twice weekly seniors Hatha yoga classes, chair yoga is an opportunity to experience yoga that is accessible for those who may not be comfortable on a mat. Classes are taught by local yoga teacher, Sandy Guest and take place at the Workshop Dance Studio. You can purchase a 12-class yoga pass for $100, with all the proceeds going directly to the programs and services at SCS. Sandy donates her expertise and time, and we are so grateful for her support. You can contact Sandy at scsyoga4seniors@gmail.com for more information.
Volunteers are the thread that weaves a tapestry of hope, compassion, and action. We thank you for your dedication to a strong and caring community.
For more information about Seniors’ Community Services, or to donate to our services and programs, please visit www.seniorscs.ca or call 613-258-3203. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and stay connected!
