June 6, 2022
The Brenda Strafford Foundation is a registered Canadian charitable organization established in 1975. The Foundation’s core operations are in seniors’ care, owning and operating five continuing care communities in and around Calgary, AB, and with a strategic focus on research and innovation in seniors’ health and wellness. The Foundation also supports local charitable programs to serve women and children who are fleeing domestic violence and families at risk of homelessness and supports international charitable programs serving those in need of health services abroad in regions of the Caribbean.
The Greater Forest Lawn 55+ Society (GFL55+) provides a welcoming place for information, programs, and services that enhance the quality of life for older adults and their families.
The Kerby Centre is a not-for-profit organization with programs and services in Calgary and Medicine Hat. Kerby Centre is committed to enhancing the ability of older adults 55+ to live healthy, productive lives with a focus on their mental, physical, social and emotional well-being.
The Alex Community Food Centre (CFC) is a welcoming place for people to come together to grow, cook, share and advocate for good food for all. The CFC provides people with access to high-quality food in a dignified setting through healthy meals and an affordable produce market. People learn cooking and gardening skills, and kids get their hands dirty in the garden and kitchen in ways that expand their tastebuds and help them make healthier food choices. Community members find their voices on the issues that matter to them, and people find friends and support. CFCs offer multifaceted, integrated and responsive programming in a shared space where food builds health, hope, skills and community.
June 7, 2022 – Calgary, AB. The Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF), Greater Forest Lawn 55+ Society (GFL55+), Kerby Centre, and The Alex Community Food Centre (CFC) are hosting a Seniors’ Health and Wellness Expo during Seniors’ Week as part of BSF’s Elder-Friendly Community initiative.
“Through community engagement meetings, it became evident that there were several resources for older adults that already existed in Greater Forest Lawn,” says Jenna Naylor, BSF Research and Innovative Practice Manager.
“However, a significant barrier was older adults did not know that these resources and organizations were available or did not know how to access them. Another theme that emerged was that organizations tended to work in silos.”
To help overcome these challenges, BSF, GFL55+, Kerby Centre, and The Alex CFC are joining forces to host the ‘GFL Seniors’ Health & Wellness Expo.’
“This is an opportunity for older adults and their families to learn about resources in their community and how to access them, to celebrate Seniors’ Week, and to socialize with community neighbours,” says Naylor.
“Organizations will also be able to connect with like-minded groups, understand more about the important work that everyone is doing, and explore possibilities to collaborate to further amplify the impact of their work, to better support seniors to remain safe and connected in the Greater Forest Lawn community.”
