The Cochrane Seniors for Kids Society is inviting anyone 18 years of age and older to a Masquerade party on Saturday Oct.19 at the Lions Event Centre.
Calgary’s Low Tide promises something for all tastes – a variety of tunes including rock, country, and even Celtic.The Society’s Program Coordinator Lynn Noble said not only will it be a fun evening, but the proceeds go to an organization that provides a unique combination of companionship, mentorship, and friendship to kids who might not otherwise have that in their lives.
“We have seniors who come into schools on a weekly basis to meet with students one-on-one," Noble said. "Our mandate is to meet the needs of kids that don't have grandparents in the area."
The Society is an inter-generational program celebrating their 27th school year connecting generations in the Cochrane area. They have elementary, middle and high school programs with over 100 matches each week in Cochrane and area.
Noble said the activities vary according to age group.
“Our younger grades and middle school, they'll do crafts, board games, or maybe environmental projects," she explained. "The older grades, like our high school groups usually prefer just to visit with our seniors when they come in."
The Society tries to match seniors with a student in the program for two full years. They form relationships.
“Some of the students coming in have never had interaction with seniors," Noble said."They maybe don't know their grandparents, haven't met their grandparents. So they're really nervous coming in. But over time they really connect, and great friendships are grown out of it.
"We have some over 10 years, 15 years and actually we have a couple that are over 20 years with us," she added.
One such previous participant, Maureen Wills (who, along with husband Frank built the hall named after him) met a shy 16-year-old boy through the program. She encouraged him to pursue his dream of going to firefighter school.
“He didn't have as much support with older adults, as some of our students do, and she saw the potential in him and actually did a reference letter for him to get into firefighting school," Noble said. "When he graduated she was invited to go, so she was very proud of that."
Tickets are $20. Doors open at 6:30 Saturday and there will be a cash bar and a silent auction. The Lions Event Centre is at 109 – 5th Ave West..
For tickets go to seniorsforkids.ca.
