Westhaven Retirement Community residents are among many who benefit from A&O Support Services for Older Adults.
If you are seeking a different way for your holiday shopping dollars to have more of a local impact, here is an event that might help you avoid the chaos and confusion of the malls and provide much needed funds to a local registered charity.
A local non profit agency that provides programs and services for older adults 55 and older, is trying out a new fundraising idea.
On Tuesday, December 3, 2013, A & O: Support Services for Older Adults (formerly Age & Opportunity) will be the host of a Holiday Fundraiser where several local vendors will commit a percentage of sales towards providing financial support to A & O’s programs and services. Vendors include Steeped Tea, Scentsy, Arbonne, Papertrail Craft Co., Epicure Selections, Tupperware, Soapstone Carvings, Norwex and Hilary Druxman Designs featuring the Owl Pendant.
Although some of these above named companies are international, the vendors are local people, and the agency they are helping to raise funds for, is a local organization recognized as a community partner in the development and delivery of innovative services that empower older adults to lead healthy, vibrant lives.
The impact of donations can be broken down to show how the monies raised can be used to enrich and empower the lives of older adults in our community.
A donation of $25 can provide a full hour of one on one consultation or a group presentation helping older adults and their family members navigate the housing market and educate themselves about the current rental options and other resources available.
A donation of $52 can provide an older adult entering the Safe Suite with a welcome basket. The welcome basket provides clients with a sense of comfort and ease after leaving a situation of abuse. This welcome basket lets them know someone does care and wants to help.
A donation of $52 can also provide older adults, who had experienced trauma or victimization, with a personal alarm. This personal alarm can assist older adults having experienced physical or emotional harm, with a sense of safety and security. This sense of security can empower them to take part in their community once again.
A donation of $1,200 can provide an individual with Hoarding Disorder support and assistance. This support and assistance can help an older adult remain in their home and escape homelessness. It provides them with an opportunity to not feel alone and know others are there to help.
A & O is also working with the members of the West End Senior group who will host their own bake sale and provide a canteen where refreshments can be purchased during the event. Funds raised in the canteen and from the Bake Sale will go directly to the membership of the West End Seniors.
Entertainment will be provided by the Stradbrook Avenue Show Choir. This is a group that was formed over the summer and is eager to perform and share their love of song. This group comes from the other senior centre that A & O operates located at 400 Stradbrook Avenue.
Stradbrook Avenue Show Choir will perform at A&O’s unique fundraising sale.
A & O’s Entry Program for Older Adult Immigrants will be on hand to sell some of their cookbooks that feature recipes from its international participants. This cookbook entitled “The World at your Table” provides many interesting stories as well as new ideas for your dining experience. All the funds raised from the sale of these cookbooks will go directly to the Entry Program.
This event will be held from 1 – 4 pm at the Clifton Community Centre located at 1315 Strathcona St. There will also be door prizes as well as a few special guests. There is no admission and everyone is invited to attend or participate. Orders will be received between Dec 16 and Dec 20 in time for the holiday season.
For more information on A & O’s programs and services please visit A & O’s website at www.ageopportunity.mb.ca where you can view a list of weblinks that provide a path for using your credit card to order online. If you would like to speak to someone call 204-956-6440 for more information on this fundraiser or for information on any of A & O’s programs and services.
