The District of 100 Mile House has partnered with the South Cariboo Community Planning Council SCCPC) and they are entering the next phase of the Age-friendly BC Community Initiative, thanks to a second $20,000 Age-friendly Community Planning and Project (AFCPP) grant.
This funding allowed the partners to hire Lea Smirfitt as the new Age-friendly Community co-ordinator to help get the project up and running.
Smiffit, who is the SCCPC executive co-ordinator, brings 25 years of on-the-ground planning experience and community knowledge, as well as training in sustainable community economic development to the initiative.
In 2013, the SCCPC supported an age-friendly community assessment – funded by the first $20,000 AFCPP grant – to determine the strengths and challenges of aging in the South Cariboo.
The research identified several untapped resources and people with skills, knowledge, time and the desire to improve the lives of seniors living in our community, says Councillor Ralph Fossum.
By sharing information, building connections, identifying resources, forming working relationships and expanding partnerships, strategies will be developed to strengthen supports for seniors and their families, Smirfitt adds.
Now, it is time for the next vital step in the process.
Residents from throughout the South Cariboo are invited to the Valley Room behind the Red Coach Inn in 100 Mile House to attend an Age-Friendly BC Planning Café on June 24 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Attendees will hear updates on the Age-friendly BC Community Initiative and will be asked to give their ideas and share their expertise on ways to improve active living, housing, communication, food/nutrition, learning, access to health care, advocacy and transportation.
There will be a light refreshment break during the event.
Further information can be obtained by calling Smirfitt at 250-395-5642.