Council's 20th Anniversary Celebration
The 20th Anniversary of the Saskatoon Council on Aging was celebrated in style on April 13, 2011 at the Western Development Museum. In his congratulatory remarks, Dr. Gordon L. Barnhart, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan acknowledged the significant accomplishments of SCOA and in particular recognized the foresight and dedication of the founding members. Mayor Donald J. Atchison, brought greetings and Steve Shannon, CEO of Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation was the key note speaker. The Meri Misfits and the Ong Family Fiddlers provided entertainment and recognition awards were presented to the founding board members. 331volunteers, general members, guests and partners were in attendance to share in the celebrations.
Thank you to the Anniversary Planning Committee members who are June Gawdun, Jeanette Dean, Jeanette Weber and Mary Levers. Thank you to Dick Strayer who was our master of ceremonies for the day and Candace Skrapek who presented the awards to the founding members. The Council’s (Meaghan, Shafalta, Brittany, Gayathri and Brett) all contributed their talents in different ways to make this event a success.
Twenty years ago the founding members had a vision to create a one stop information and resource centre for older adults. They also wanted to address issues of major concern to older adults such as caregiving, isolation, abuse and health. As a result the Council opened its doors to the public in 1991.
Since opening its doors the traffic to the centre has more than doubled receiving over 10000 calls and visits this past year. The amount of services and programs has increased as well as the amount of volunteer hours and staff.
Many seniors have benefited from using the services of the Council, whether it is program, service, education and advocacy. Thank you founding members for creating the Council.
