On June 6, the Vermilion Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) organized a delightful BBQ lunch and activities at the Vermilion Heritage Park and Senior Centre to honour and celebrate the seniors in the community. The event was blessed with beautiful weather, setting the perfect atmosphere for a couple hours of camaraderie and enjoyment.
The Cornerstone Co-op generously provided its BBQ equipment for the occasion, and some employees from Cornerstone Co-op volunteered their time and skills to ensure the burgers were cooked to perfection, for the 170 attendees. The meal also included potatoe salad, coleslaw, beans, and tea, coffee, and water.
Adding to the spirit of community involvement, members of the Town of Vermilion Council Kirby Whitlock and Kevin Martin stepped up to lend a helping hand. They devoted their time to assist in serving food, collecting plates and cups, and ensuring a smooth and efficient cleanup process, while also enjoying an opportunity to interact with the seniors during the activities, and lunch.
The event received further support from the staff of the Vermilion Continuing Care, Vermilion Valley Lodge, and volunteers from the Vermilion Senior Centre members, and Family Community Support Services.
The Seniors’ Week BBQ and activities have been celebrated in the Town of Vermilion for 20-plus years and is organized as a token of appreciation and recognition for the seniors in Vermilion. It provided a valuable opportunity for the community to come together, express gratitude, and show admiration for the contributions made by the older generation.
“We often hear about the importance of exercise and a healthy diet as a person ages, but did you know that social interaction provides many physical and mental health benefits to seniors? Watching and listening to the chatter among the crowd that gathered to attend was proof that some adventures are truly worth the effort. New memories were made, reconnecting with old friends and the talk of “can’t wait until next time we all get together” were heard.
This was a wonderful start in our community to celebrate Seniors’ Week 2023, please remember to reach out to a senior you know during the other weeks of the year. Seniors always enjoy visiting, sharing their family’s history, their stories, or just talking about the weather!” commented Shirley McRobert, Senior Support Coordinator, FCSS.
The Vermilion FCSS deserves commendation for its efforts in organizing this successful event, as well as for promoting the well-being and inclusivity of seniors within the community. Such initiatives go a long way in recognizing the valuable experiences, wisdom, and achievements of our esteemed senior citizens