Senior’s Community Christmas Party open to all seniors

By Adelle Ellis, Times Reporter

All seniors are welcome to attend the annual Senior’s Community Christmas Party on Dec. 15 at the Strathmore Civic Centre.
The free event has been running for over 20 years to give back to the seniors in the community and to offer a fun afternoon full of celebration during the Christmas season.
Sponsored by the Strathmore Lions Club, the party was the original brainchild of local Albert Herr, who three years ago passed the reins on to chairperson Hayley Poirier, who works closely with a committee to plan the annual event.
“It’s so much fun, it’s my favourite event of the year for sure,” said Poirier, who added that the Strathmore Lions can sponsor the event because “when people are supporting the Lions at their pancake breakfasts or anything, every nickel made gets put back into the community.”
This year’s party will include tea, coffee, punch, snacks, desserts and plenty of Christmas fun such as a visit from Santa as per tradition.
Some toe-tapping entertainment to get some of the seniors in attendance dancing will be provided by a Celtic band, Cabot’s Crossing. New this year will be a Celtic dance troupe, MJP Academy of Irish Dance, to perform some traditional dances for the attendees.
“Any senior can attend … it’s really meant for the seniors to come out and have a good time,” said Poirier.
The event is free and any senior can show up at the doors and be escorted into the party.
For those who need a ride to the Christmas party, the Strathmore Handi-bus will be providing rides, but seniors must register for the service by calling Poirier at 403-901-3472 by Dec. 13 to get added to the pick-up and drop-off list.
“We need to support our seniors as a community and so I see this as a way of giving back to all of the work and dedication and life that the seniors breathe into our community,” said Poirier. “This is just one little way of us giving back for all of the things they’ve done for us over the years.”