Canada is undergoing a cost-of-living crisis, and our country’s seniors are likely feeling the pinch more acutely than others. Many seniors live on a fixed or limited income, while both food costs and housing costs have outpaced inflation. Add ongoing economic uncertainty with the U.S., along with rising fuel prices that are creating an inflationary ripple effect on practically everything money can buy in our part of the world, and these are uniquely challenging times for Canada’s older population.
Time and again, however, challenging times bring out the best of us in the Kootenays. Our sense of community runs deep; we look out for one another and want to make sure our neighbours are coping under the weight.
The dual motivators of senior support and community cohesiveness were the inspiration behind this year’s Rotary Club of Cranbrook Annual Heart of the Community Gala & Auction, held at the Colombo Lodge on Saturday, April 25. Net proceeds from the event will go directly toward a new 12-unit housing project that will provide below-market rental rates for seniors, creating a lasting impact in our community.
This year’s theme was “Through the Looking Glass” – an evening where community, generosity and a little magic came together, with many event guests embracing the spirit by dressing up as Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and other timeless Lewis Carroll characters.
“The Gala’s concept was that ‘through the looking glass’ is where the community comes together to create magic and make good things happen,” explains Laura Kennedy, the Chair of this year’s gala. “Our Rotary Club really does work its magic in the community, and we felt this was a lighthearted and appropriate way to theme this year’s event.”
The fact that the Rotary has championed a seniors housing project is a full-circle event for the organization. Back in 1967 – when many of today’s seniors would have still been in school – the Cranbrook Rotary saw a need in the community for affordable housing for seniors and helped launch the Rotary Scott Villa in Cranbrook overlooking the creek. The project was an immense success, and has grown into a well-loved community pillar. So loved, in fact, that the waitlist for suites in the Villa is so intimidatingly long that a spot feels virtually unattainable.
“We have recognized the need for more affordable seniors housing in Cranbrook for many years,” elaborates Laura Kennedy, “and we are very excited to see this new project finally coming together. The land has already been donated by the city and this has become our main fundraising drive over the last couple of years. Between last year’s and this year’s galas, we have made great strides in helping to fund this project and are excited to see work begin on the property as early as this summer.”
The social, economic and health benefits generated by independent-living facilities such as these are astronomical. By locating facilities for seniors within the heart of the community, towns and cities are promoting a more diverse population that fosters intergenerational connections, which is healthier for everyone. Developed specially for seniors, facilities include enhanced safety measures such as handrails and non-slip flooring that reduce emergency events and therefore hospital visits. Naturally, making these facilities for seniors available at below-market rates creates aging-in-place opportunities for a greater number of people, encouraging inclusivity.
Proud to support as the Platinum Sponsor
Kootenay Columbia Home Medical Equipment (KCHME) was delighted to be the Platinum Sponsor of this year’s Cranbrook Rotary Heart of the Community Gala. Community is the foundation of everything we believe in, and aging-in-place advocacy is a subject that touches us deeply. The synergy between this year’s gala and our support for the community was like a marriage made in Wonderland.
As part of our Platinum Sponsorship package, KCHME’s co-owner Dana Tippe was honoured to give a speech at the event. After sharing the eye-opening stat that “39% of people experiencing homelessness are over the age of 55,” Dana went on to share an anecdote that touched our company personally:
“At KCHME, we needed to replace one of our old service vans as it had 400,000 km on it and required significant repairs. To our surprise, a friend purchased the van as a housing improvement for someone in our community. The van offered a more stable housing solution than what they currently had.
“I am going to be 65 next month and I cannot imagine not having a home, a house, a place of safety, peace and comfort. Something that I think we all should be able to have.”
Donate today
Visit the Cranbrook Rotary donation page for information on how to donate to this housing initiative. Your donations will go a long way in helping to improve home security in our community.