Cambridge seniors give back to community through 'Seniorosity'

An ongoing initiative at a retirement community in Galt is about building community through volunteering and giving new purpose to its residents.  

Seasons Cambridge runs a program called Seniorosity, which is a combination of the word 'senior' and 'generosity.' Erica Boer, the fun manager at Seasons Cambridge, said it was created in June 2018 and aims to help seniors stay active within their communities.

"For a lot of our residents, volunteerism was a big thing that they did when they were younger and into their retirement, and that gives them quite a purpose here," said Boer, adding many residents are engaged in the program. 

Joan Graham and Joan Thomlinson are friends of over 55 years who are both part of Seniorosity. Graham became involved with Seniorosity after moving into Seasons Cambridge, and Thomlinson joined after also entering Seasons Cambridge.

"Our houses were right next to each other, we became friends," said Thomlinson about her and Graham.

Boer said both are both active members of Seniorosity and have previous experience volunteering with other organizations prior to coming to Seasons. 

"We belonged to craft clubs," said Graham about her and Thomlinson. "I did volunteering in the cancer society years ago, and I did a lot of that sort of thing, just kept busy doing whatever."

"If I was asked to do something I would do it, and so would she (Thomlinson)."

Boer said Graham and Thomlinson's previous volunteer experience adds a lot of value to the program. 

"These two are also very active in welcoming new residents that move into the community," said Boer. "They like to volunteer, welcome the new residents, and invite them to programs."

This year, residents part of Seniorosity have participated in a few initiatives, including selling Valentine's Day grams fundraiser that raised money for the Alzheimer Society of Waterloo Wellington, raising $950 for the organization. 

"These ladies helped with organizing the flowers and clipping the ends, and all of that stuff," Boer said about Graham and Thomlinson's role in the event. 

Boer mentions Seniorosity also held a Ukrainian dinner to raise money for Ukraine.

The most recent Seniorosity initiative was a baby diaper drive for The Pregnancy Centre in Waterloo Region, which raised 1500 diapers, especially focusing on collecting diapers sizes five and six. Over 30 residents at Seasons Cambridge contributed to the event. 

"The month of March was International Women's Day, and we were thinking of ways to support women in the community, and that was one thing that struck us that we talked about was supporting women and their children in the community," said Boer. "We connected with The Pregnancy Centre and they let us know what kind of things they needed."

"I think it's great because a lot of our residents previously volunteered before coming to Seasons, so by coming to Seasons, we have built a community to continue volunteering."

Graham said it makes me feel very good to be able to help someone else through Seniorosity. 

"I'm grateful that I'm still able to do this and know what I'm doing," said Graham, who is 92. "It keeps me active."

Thomlinson, who is 96, said her favourite part of being involved with Seniorosity is the good feeling she gets by doing something for someone else.

"Considering our ages, I think we do very well," said Thomlinson.