Our Multicultural Seniors Program is held in the recreation room at # 7 and 11 Arleta Ave, every Thursday from 1-3 PM. The seniors are a blended group, from countries all around the globe such as: Guyana, St. Vincent, East India, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, Africa, Europe and Canada. The warm and caring friendships that have formed between the participants are apparent in the way that they interact and socialize with each other within the group.
The primary objective of the multicultural seniors program is to provide an environment where senior members of the community can meet and socialize with each other. The group offers the opportunity to form friendships, alleviate isolation and loneliness, and provide activities such as: arts & crafts, music appreciation, converse and share jokes, recipes, etc. with others of the same age group.
The group members are loyal in their attendance and participation in the program. They look forward to each and every Thursday afternoon when they can meet, greet, talk, share, offer support to, and encourage each other. They enjoy playing cards and board games, and take pride showing off and sharing their crafts on “arts & crafts” day.
Recommendations for the continued success of this seniors group is, first and foremost, increased funding. As these are low-income seniors in the community, the group can only afford to meet once a week. We would like to supply a hot meal, and cannot do so. Funds for supplies are especially limited, which in turn limits activities and outings that are requested by, and would be greatly beneficial to this group of seniors.
Our Latin-American Seniors Program’s main objective is to enhance their quality of life. This program provides an excellent way for Latin American Seniors to meet and connect with other seniors in their mother language. They also like to be more active and participate in different community activities.
Participants in this program enjoyed a wide range of appropriate social, educational and recreational activities, in a fun and friendly family environment. In the summer our seniors enjoyed trips to Cullen Gardens, Center Island, Centennial Park, Casino Rama, a picnic in High Park and BBQ at Northwood Park. Senior participants also created various craft projects during the year.
Group meetings are held on Monday afternoons from 1:00 -3:30 pm year around, at Black Creek Community Health Centre, located at 2202 Jane Street. This program is open and welcomes all the Spanish-speaking senior residents of our community.
