The Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors has recently been successful in an application to the Telus Community Action Team program and have received funds to develop a TAPS choir. A wish of many of the seniors, to be able to sing and perform for others, is now possible. Our choirmaster, Larry Ewashen, will start rehearsals soon and we hope to be performing for the community by Christmas. I have already told you about how the Telus community ambassadors are working with TAPS members and volunteers to make lap blankets and sensory aprons for hospitals in our area. These two Telus supported projects bring funds into TAPS and other programs in our community. Telus supports our philosophy of being healthy by being productive. Thank you, Telus.
Multiplication is a mathematical operation and it is a way of life here in Creston. Let me give you an example of how one dollar can be used three times to benefit someone here in Creston. The Krafty Kronys purchased 288 cookies at Tim Hortons during their campaign, one dollar for one cookie, to support the Creston Valley Hospital Tuck Shop. The proceeds from the cookies went to the Tuck Shop and then to the hospital to purchase equipment to improve health services for all of us. The Krafty Kronys brought the cookies to TAPS, our members got to enjoy them, and so did our volunteers and guests — one dollar used many times.
Another example of a multiple benefit effort is the Gleaners. Excess from a home, garden or business can be taken there and not go to a landfill. There is the opportunity for any one of us to purchase something we might need at a very reasonable price and the income from these sales goes to many community agencies that would not survive without Gleaners support. Many dollars used many times over and over. The value of this type of giving, sharing, donating goes on and on.
TAPS seniors are awaiting the arrival of the electronic tablets purchased with the donation from the Creston and District Credit Union. They are ready to breach the gap between seniors and technology and have started learning a new language — that's what they call all the words that apply to the computer world. Tablet, mouse, Google, server, hardware, network, email and memory all have different meanings for anyone over 70, but many are looking forward to the challenge.
Our volunteer core continues to be strong and supportive but we are in need of help in two specific areas. We have a Christmas project in mind that will give back to the community and we need the services of sewers. This does not need to be a really skilled sewer but someone who has time to help us complete this task. We also would like to have a volunteer who is responsible for decorating our site each month, changing the decorations to match the activities and events planned. If you have interest or skills in either of these areas please call program manager Bridget Currie at 250-428-5585.
Remember that the Krafty Kronys’ fall craft sale will be Nov. 5 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be many different vendors, TAPS pies and lunch served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Come by and shop for Christmas, get your supply of pies, visit with TAPS folks and have lunch. You will be able to be a part of another multiple benefit effort that makes our community so strong.
Terry Nowak is an outreach worker with the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors.