March: In like a lion, out like a lamb? Well, things have been hopping at the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors all month with weekly programs in full swing and it’s not likely to slow down soon.
Welcome and thanks go out to Joanna Wilson, who is volunteering her piano and personality to the TAPS band and choir practices every Thursday. You are a wonderful addition, Joanna.
On looking back through the files I discovered that March 22, 2005, heralded a new era for the TAPS program. On that date, it officially came under the auspices of the Creston and District Community Resource Centre. It had been under the Interior Health Authority’s wing since 1991.
Determined supporters rose to the occasion championing the value of and continuation of the program with great success as TAPS is in existence because of them. Thanks to IHA for its annual contribution to the Daybreak program.
Not-for-profits offering direct and indirect services to all sectors without core funding must commit resources for proposal and grant writing and fundraising efforts on an annual basis. It demands and makes organizations clear on the purpose for their causes, as well as creative approaches to programming and operations. Three cheers for all those who do that heavy lifting and to the organizations that offer funding choices as well as all who support in other ways!
Where would our community be without Creston Valley Gleaners Society support? And for TAPS it’s not just a one-way relationship. Financial support from them has allowed us to continue developing and running programs. Seniors and youth from the special needs program or those on work experience regularly get “jobs” to do for Gleaners. Recently, 14 students from Wildflower joined in on a work day, and as I didn’t get the photo in on time, you’ll just have to imagine the scene with all the youth and the seniors working together washing and dressing a few dozen dolls of all sizes, and ripping bags of rags into strips for them.
Projects like this save volunteer time at Gleaners and are part of their at home volunteer program. The resulting products are sold and more money generated to further their mission of helping the community. In addition the benefits of the intergenerational exchange and the sense of contributing to a good cause are values beyond mere measurement for all involved. Have a look at the Gleaners website for opportunities to help them continue their good work of 29 years for our community. Thank you!
Did you say pie? Nope, I said pies — the Krafty Kronys were at it again making their famous fruit pies this month. Under the efficient guidance of Mabel, 68 apple and 10 cherry pies were whipped up, packaged and frozen amidst much merriment. Notwithstanding the hours already put in with youth from Cresteramics and our seniors peeling and cutting apples one day and the finishing of the pies the next, I did hear Mabel saying, “Well, we really should do some more soon.” Now that’s a passionate person! Thanks to Margo Beaudry for her donation of apples and to Harvest Share and other donors whose fruit last summer was prepped and frozen. Have you got yours? Watch for notices about the Krafty Kronys craft sales and, of course, you can always get a pie at TAPS.
In April, TAPS will be having volunteer appreciation days at the centre with good food and fun activities, as usual. For more information, call TAPS at 250-428-5585.
Maureen Cameron is the community liaison development co-ordinator for the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors.