Barbara Roden
Free Press
The Seniors Resource Fair at the 100 Mile Community Hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 23 will provide a wealth of information about where to find help and services in the community – not just for seniors, but for everyone.
The event, organized by the South Cariboo AGE-FRIENDLY Initiative (SCAFI), is free and committee member Lea Smirfitt is excited about the many groups that will be providing information.
The setting will be very informal, she says, with no formal speakers or a timetable.
Instead there will be tables staffed by a variety of organizations and businesses, which will be able to answer questions, and there will be light refreshments available at a minimal fee.
Those attending will be able to drop in when they like, decide what services they want information about, and proceed at their own pace, Smirfitt notes.
“There’ll be health and active living resources, information about medical equipment rental, nutritional consulting, fraud awareness, financial information, and much more.”
There will be a housing survey at the SCAFI table, and those attending will be asked what they looked for and didn’t find, as well as what they found helpful, she adds.
“We’re laying the groundwork for future events.”
Smirfitt acknowledges that transit is a major issue in the area, but says it’s not something that will be solved by this fair.
Facilities that have seniors’ buses have been invited to attend, but the transportation question goes way beyond this.
“It has to take on a life of its own, with people across the community coming together to discuss it. The community at large needs to take the issue on board and make it a focus at a political level.
“Transit difficulties mean it’s critical that those who plan to attend check with less mobile friends, family members, and neighbours to see if they can offer a lift to someone who might not otherwise be able to attend. “We need to do more of this in the short term.”
The organizers are hoping for a good turnout, and are encouraged by the increased number of people coming out to SCAFI events in recent months.
Smirfitt says a strong communication network is helping to get the word out, with people from Clinton to Lac la Hache attending workshops and gatherings.
The biggest gift of the Seniors Resource Fair will be engaging and informing people about issues and initiatives, she adds.
“It’s important to have this conversation with others and join together collaboratively. We need the ability and resources to bring people together, get them to talk to each other, present a united front, and work together for the same goals.”
