ST. PAUL – The 225 spots for the upcoming Seniors Festival in St. Paul were filled up just five days after registration began on Nov. 1.
The free event, organized by the St. Paul Regional Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) will be held at the All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Cultural Centre.
“This is to connect and celebrate the holiday season,” said Brenda Billo, a staff member with FCSS. “To build friendships but also to help seniors get to know what services are available to them . . . where they can go for help.”
Seniors often benefit from access to information and resources that can help them navigate challenges unique to their stage in life, she explained.
This includes staying informed about healthcare, financial planning, fraud prevention, and social opportunities that help maintain their independence and well-being.
“We are also going to have tables for senior-serving organizations where seniors can walk around, visit, and ask for information,” she said.
Billo said this year’s agenda will include a presentation by consumer protection and fraud prevention expert Julie Matthews – formerly an investigative reporter and senior investigator with Service Alberta.
While slots are already filled, Billo still encourages seniors in the community, or families of seniors to reach out to the FCSS to sign up and be put on the waitlist, just in case others may have to cancel.
Coming up
With the holiday season coming up, FCSS staff members are also gearing up for several annual events including the seventh annual tree lighting, which will held at the St. Paul Museum and UFO Landing Pad on Dec. 6 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
There is going to be an indoor event, and families can then visit the blowups set up outside.
“Families can connect, take pictures, walk around, and enjoy some hot chocolate,” said Billo, as she invites the community to come out. “It’s also a great place for newcomers to come and meet people in the community.”
Registration for the 2024 Christmas Hamper program is also now open. People can contact the FCSS office at 780-645-5311 to register before Dec. 11. Pick-up of the hampers will be at the St. Paul Recreation Centre on Dec. 19.
For those wanting to donate to hamper program, they can visit the FCSS office, or donate at Cornerstone Co-op, Sobeys, or No Frills.
Running in conjunction with the Christmas hamper program is also the St. Paul Regional High School’s Santa Elves. The Elves will once again be collecting monetary donations, toys, clothing, or books, for youth in the community. The gifts are donated along with the Christmas hampers to those in need this holiday season.