The volunteer organization Muskoka Seniors achieved their goal of attracting 150 volunteers to the organization in the same year as Canada celebrates its sesquicentennial.
Executive Director for the organization, Donna Nairn, delivered the good news recently to an enthusiastic group of volunteers at this year’s appreciation gala. “We achieved our goal of 150 plus volunteers,” she told the tartan-cladded clan. “And each of you have helped make that a reality. We sincerely thank each and every one of you for your commitment and dedication to serving the seniors here in Muskoka.”
Dubbed as a ‘shabby chic’ affair, the volunteer appreciation paid tribute to the hard-working volunteers while also celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday. Everywhere you looked there was a touch of Canadiana, a salute to red and white and a whimsical flare that made the luncheon extra fun.
Tobin Spring and Will Main performed throughout the luncheon. An outside barbecue seemed most appropriate and the dessert table was a work of art.
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- Red and White Desserts
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- Beautiful Canada Day-inspired table setting
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- Nadine Beatty looking very Canadian chic
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- Tobin Spring and Will Main serenade with Canadian classics
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- Door Prizes
Dignitaries MP Tony Clement and MPP Norm Miller were on hand to give thanks to the group.
“I’m just totally blown away that you were able to exceed your target of 150 volunteers to help our seniors. Thank you all of you for doing all that you do for our local seniors,” Clement said, applauding the group.
Norm Miller continued by recognizing some of the good work Muskoka Seniors volunteers do. “You really are making a difference in the lives of seniors,” he said. “Helping to get to doctor’s appointments, the weekly lunches here, helping seniors to stay in their homes, Without your help they might not otherwise be able to do that, and for that, thank you, thank you, thank you.”
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- Those responsible for making the event possible (from left) Ron Nairn, Frank Jones, Karen Waters, Kate McLaughlin, Sheila Heggie-Weishar, Anne Garbutt, Karen Logan, Jesse Harwood, Stephen Nairn, Christian Schweter, Sabina Schweter, Mary Louise Teakle, Anne Hawes, Angela Barager, and Karen Raaflaub
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- Friendly greeters (from left) Donna Nairn, Frank Jones, Sarah Caswell and Karen Waters
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- Muskoka Seniors volunteers Anne Garbutt and Karen Logan
Muskoka Seniors is a volunteer charitable organization that helps seniors live independently and at home for as long as possible. Their programs include drivers, friendly visitors, telephone volunteers, friendship luncheons, meals on wheels and even income tax returns.
You help people stay in their homes. Without you our health system would buckle. It would be overwhelmed and unable to meet the need and the demand. So, hats off to you.Beth Ward, North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN representative
According to Nairn, the group contributed 20,434 hours of volunteer time in the past year which translates to an estimated value $490,416 in contributed services as estimated by the TD Bank of Canada.
Muskoka Seniors, by the numbers:
Served 5473 friendship luncheon meals
Provided 6988 units of transportation to seniors
Delivered 4695 meals on wheels dinners
Conducted 13509 in home and telechat visits
And prepared 89 free income tax returns
That’s not too shabby, eh?
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They are absolutely wonderful. I’ve used the folks in the past and always so willing to help. Thank you to all of them for giving their time and talent.
Ellen
Seniors helping Seniors…Perfect !