Helping seniors throughout northern Muskoka has been the mission of Muskoka Seniors for 30 years. Showing their appreciation to their large network of volunteers, often seniors themselves, looked a little different this year with the second wave of COVID-19 looming.
On Sept. 30, employees with the organization handed out appreciation gifts to volunteers in an organized drive-through pick up at Faith Baptist Church, where the appreciation luncheon is normally held.
“To say this past year has been a learning experience seems like a bit of an understatement these days, but the team at Muskoka Seniors is an incredible one full of passion, drive, and commitment,” said executive director Jenn Pfrimmer in a letter to the volunteers. “We have navigated uncharted territory in ways none of us expected, but are pressing on with creativity, adaptability, and open minds. We recognize that many services offered may never look the same, but we are committed to the same vision Peggy Graham started: to provide services that will help seniors live independently in their own homes.”
Graham retired from the organization in 2002, at the age of 75.
The traditional 30-year anniversary gift is the pearl.
“As volunteers of Muskoka Seniors, you are like the pearl, all unique and beautiful,” said Pfrimmer. “Pearls are rare and hard to find, but once discovered they are treasured and kept. This year has been a unique one in our community, our country, and in our world, but we have been reminded time and time again that Muskoka Seniors simply cannot provide the same level of service without our volunteers. We treasure you, and each of you is incredibly valued with the skills and gifts you are willing to share with the seniors in our community. The time you have given to Muskoka Seniors last year has not gone unnoticed, and we look forward to when we are able to invite you all back again in your various roles.”
Sarah Caswell handing out an appreciation gift to Muskoka Seniors volunteer Greg Cairns, who has been volunteering for 12 years. (Mandi Hargrave)
As part of the appreciation gift, the Downtown Huntsville BIA gave volunteers a gift certificate for downtown dollars that can be used at any downtown business.
“We wanted to work with local community partners while supporting our downtown businesses through donations. It’s a good way to team up with local organizations to promote the downtown dollars while supporting the initiative they’re doing and supporting downtown businesses as well,” said Morgan Richter, manager of Downtown Huntsville BIA. “It seemed like the perfect fit to support residents who have been volunteering for a very meaningful organization for so long.”
Morgan Richter (left), BIA manager, and Jenn Pfrimmer, executive director of Muskoka Seniors (Mandi Hargrave)
While the various programs offered by Muskoka Seniors have not been running at full capacity, most of the programs are still operational in some form.
“We look forward to when we can have everyone back,” said Pfrimmer during the drive-through event.
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Muskoka Seniors is an organization that has flown under the radar for more than 20 years…Originally created by Peggy Graham and administered through the next two decades by Laurene Hicks (Armsrong), Donna Nairn and Karen Waters to be a vibrant, inclusive service for North Muskoka and East Parry Sound that most people were not aware.
The services that have been and continue to be offered by the current administration are beyond admirable. I know this from a personal level as I was on the Board of Directors from around 1999 ( at the request of Peggy) and to serving as Chair before retiring from the board a few years ago…BUT I feel I left things in good hands with Kevin Farthing as Chair, the current board and the new administration staff…support this worthy enterprise if you can as they will do more to keep your parents in their homes than any other service presently offered.