From shopping to emergencies, Seniors’ Resource Society a ‘lifeline’
Over 25 years, organization has helped tens of thousands of vulnerable clients
To describe Margaret Van Aalst as a resourceful type is something of an understatement. At age 13, she took a job as a bus girl in a Calgary restaurant. Over the next 67 years, she’d do everything from managing her own dance studio to working as a delivery person, in between putting herself through university for a degree in commerce.
“My only marriage was when I was young and it didn’t last,” says Van Aalst, who worked into her early eighties. “So, I never ended up having children.”
Still, time caught up with the independent woman and, four years ago, she found herself to be a financially strapped senior with no family supports. Then, someone told her about the Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society.
Now, “I’ve got volunteers to help me with everything from shopping to getting to the doctor’s,” says the now 87-year-old.
“The help they have given me, and continue to give me, has made all the difference,” she says. “I view them as family.”
Helping our city’s elderly citizens has been a 25-year commitment at the Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society (calgaryseniors.org), one of the organizations supported by the 2019 Christmas fund.
The organization began life in the mid-1990s after three smaller local organizations joined forces. Since then, it has helped tens of thousands of local seniors with a wide variety of services and support, assisting them with everything from shopping and friendly visits to emergency social work response for those experiencing major life crises.
Most people are aware of the growing population of seniors in this country and a growing generation of Baby Boomers now between the ages of 55 and 75, who also happen to be living longer than any generation before.
While many are active, healthy and financially independent, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition.
“Life circumstances can change and someone who was prepared for their older years, suddenly finds themselves struggling,” says Lori Paine, Calgary Seniors’ executive director, pointing to health issues such as dementia, depression and anxiety among the elderly. People 65 years and older have the highest suicide rate of any group in Canada.
“We don’t always look as a society on the challenges people have as they get older, (with) everything from mobility to the shrinking of social connections,” she says.
On a recent day, the society’s headquarters in northeast Calgary is brimming with activity and optimism, with staff members planning an “Igniting Neighbours” community initiative and some of the society’s 1,300-plus volunteers popping in to say hello, in between helping the city’s seniors.
We don’t always look as a society on the challenges people have as they get older.
“Our people often are dealing with some unhappy situations,” says Dianne Cooper-ponte, who runs the society’s fund development arm. “But what is so inspiring is to see how much they (volunteers and staff ) care.”
At 81, her husband Ron Ponte is still driving clients around the city, making sure they get to their doctor’s appointments and other commitments on time.
“Some of the people I drive are younger than me,” says the vibrant volunteer with a chuckle. “I just love helping them out, knowing I’m doing something to make a small difference.”
Despite a heavy caseload, social worker Farzana Imran loves working with her clients, many of whom are immigrants from countries like India.
“Often, we’re their only lifeline,” says Imran, who also speaks Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi. “Like children, they are the most vulnerable people in our community and it feels good to know you can help.”
Many of Calgary Seniors’ clients, through outreach or the Senior Connect program, “come with about five or more concerns and there aren’t simple solutions,” says Paine.
“A lot of challenges they have are complex,” she adds, noting that her organization is also dedicated to educating the public about the needs of vulnerable seniors in the community. “They need our help and we are here for them.”
It’s the kind of help that can change a life.
“I know I wouldn’t have gotten by without them these past four years,” says Van Aalst. “The wonderful people at the Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society are simply amazing.”
To donate to the 2019 Christmas Fund, call 403-235-7481, go to calgaryherald.com/christmasfund, or see the coupon on this page.