Seniors foundation looks to spread its name, service

The Medicine Hat Senior Citizens Advisory Committee Foundation is embarking on a new chapter in its history and hopes to create lasting community partnerships to benefit the local senior population.

The foundation was established in 2002 as a byproduct of the city’s Senior Citizens Advisory Committee, which has since been abolished.

“The foundation provides funding for the betterment of seniors in Medicine Hat,” chair Gord Nott told the News. “That’s our mandate.”

Nott explained much of the foundation’s work involves funding local capital projects accessible to seniors.

It has provided funding to numerous local organizations since its inception, including the Medicine Hat Pickleball Club, the Strathcona Centre and the Veiner Centre, among others.

Despite having once been governed by the city’s Senior Citizens Advisory Committee, the foundation is now independently operated, led by a nine-person board of directors.

Currently, seven of the nine seats are filled, with Nott accepting applications for the two vacancies.

“We are having our annual general meeting on April 7 at 2 p.m. at the Veiner Centre,” said Nott. “We would welcome anybody who is at all interested … in a position on the board (to connect with us). We’d love to hear from them.”

Nott also encourages Hatters who are interested in getting involved to consider becoming a member of the foundation.

“Any person 50 years of age and a resident of Medicine Hat is welcome,” said Nott. “There’s absolutely no membership fee.”

Nott hopes as membership numbers grow, so too does awareness about the foundation and its purpose.

“(Some) people still have the mentality it’s an advisory committee, but it’s not,” he said. “What my goal is right now, in the next year, is to create an awareness of what we’re all about … I would like to see seniors organizations out in the community (aware) we are available to help and support them in their activities.”

Nott encourages individuals and organizations interested working with the foundation to contact him at 403-504-8533. He asks applicants for the board of director positions to reach out before March 31.

“We’re here. We’re out there and we’re anxious to support seniors and projects within the community,” Nott said.