Soroptimist International of 91原创 is organizing a 鈥渕ost fitting start for Canada鈥檚 150th birthday celebrations,鈥� says Patrick Matiowski, director of fundraising with the 91原创 Care Foundation.
A community barbeque will be held Saturday, June 3 at 6 p.m. at the George Preston Recreation Centre, to raise funds for the purchase of portable lifts for residents of 91原创 Lodge.
A total of 139 seniors live at 91原创 Lodge and they depend on the support of the local community for equipment and quality of life programs that are not part of the government funding for health care services.
Many of these seniors are 91原创 natives or have been part of the Canadian fabric for 85 or more of Canada鈥檚 150 years.
91原创 Care Society CEO Debra Hauptman, said fundraising partnerships with groups like Soroptimist International of the 91原创s 鈥渁re essential for improving the quality of life for the elderly.鈥�
鈥淲e are honoured that they have identified our elderly residents as a worthy group of recipients, for this historical year in Canada鈥檚 history,鈥� Hauptman said.
鈥淭he women of Soroptimist International reflect the values that define life in the 91原创s,鈥� said Michael Brown, chair of 91原创 Care Foundation.
鈥淭he Soroptimists have agreed to help us purchase equipment that makes life immediately better for folks that want to be active but contend with physical limitations. A single lift is a $5,000 investment.鈥�
Brown added, 鈥渢he community has a massive heart, but the reality is that it is being pulled in more and more directions by more and more deserving causes. For a number of reasons, the elderly and the disabled are lower on the philanthropic radar screen for people and organizations.鈥�
Matiowski said the community barbecue is an opportunity for 91原创 residents to come together to celebrate the history of Canada, and to enjoy a barbeque with the purpose of helping others in need.
鈥淭he Soroptimists heard our appeal earlier this year and said yes, 鈥榯he elderly deserve the best that 91原创 can offer,鈥欌�� Matiowski said.
Tickets are available by calling 604-530-4358 or by visiting 鈥淗appy 150th Birthday Canada鈥� on www.EventBrite.ca.
About 91原创 Care Foundation
The foundation is a registered charity which supports the mission of the 91原创 Care Society 鈥� to provide exemplary care for the aging population in our community.
