Carl Hager – Local Journalism Initiative
MUNICIPALITY OF PONTIAC – An information session on services available to local seniors was held April 30 at Gavan’s Hotel, with about thirty residents in attendance.
Invited by the Pontiac User’s Committee and Des Collines Senior Services, representatives of the des Collines Food Bank, Centre intégré de Santé et Services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO), La Table de développement social des Collines-de-l’Outaouais (TDSCO), and Connexions Resource Centre outlined their services and answered questions. Bilingual information documents were also provided.
“We felt it was important to bring these information resources closer to the people. Our next effort will be to have an event in Luskville,” said Jennifer Larose, president of the Pontiac Users Committee.
Veronique St-Onge from the Des Collines Food Bank said they visit Quyon once a month, offering either an emergency food basket or a regular grocery service: “More and more people are using our services, including workers who cannot make ends meet with their low pay. We invite people to donate money so we can buy even more food for the vulnerable. For those without a car, we offer home delivery. We can be contacted at 819-457-1010.”
Connexions Resource Centre aims to promote the health, social well-being and vitality of the English-speaking community by, among other things, helping seniors access health and social services in English. Pamphlets such as “Coping with Life Transitions” and “Men’s Mental Health Suicide Awareness” were available.
The Senior Services group described their “Aide-Moi” (Help Me) effort that assists seniors with physical conditions with things like minor exterior work (washing windows, raking grass, maintaining flower beds, etc.). “We’re actively seeking volunteers to help broaden the scope of the services we can offer to seniors,” said representative Chantal Leon.
Two kinesiologists from CISSSO, Gabriel Corbeil and Anna Miebach, encouraged seniors to take better care of their health by doing simple exercises – like chair yoga – at home, which can help prevent things like falls. They also highlighted the importance of good nutrition and social well being to improve quality of life.
Photo – Shelley Heaphy and Paul Brown of Connexions Resource Centre tell Bristol resident Margaret Conroy about the many services Connexions offers. (CH)