June 5, 2020
It’s BC Seniors’ Week, a time each year when we celebrate our seniors and everything they contribute to our families and community. Seniors’ Week also reminds us to make space in our busy lives for the seniors we know and love.
Like many celebrations this year, our Seniors’ Week festivities have been moved online to protect the age group most vulnerable to COVID-19. Through our CoquitlamSPIRIT initiative, we’re providing online activities for local seniors while also encouraging the community to show the older generations their respect and some kindness. Find out more at www.coquitlam.ca/seniorsweek .
Seniors have been particularly hard-hit during the pandemic. In addition to the health concerns, some are having a hard time adapting to a new reality that relies heavily on technology for services and personal connection. Many are more isolated than ever while struggling to deal with extra costs, like sanitization supplies and grocery delivery.
I encourage you to try to find a way to ease the pandemic burden for the seniors in your life, whether they are a family member or neighbour. They may need help with errands, but chances are, what they’re missing most is social interaction.
Carve out time to check in with them and to help them stay connected. For someone stuck at home, it can be life-changing to learn how to chat with your grandkids, take an exercise program or order groceries online.
Another aspect of Seniors’ Week that I want to mention is about recognizing that many seniors continue to be vibrant members of our community. They volunteer, they help their kids and grandkids, they engage in leisure activities, and they’re avid users of our City programs and services.
Seniors have value, and they deserve our respect and attention. And right now, they also need our consideration.
We’re all feeling the pandemic fatigue, and some of us are getting a bit lax about physical distancing and other health precautions. Please remember that you’re not just doing it for yourself – you’re doing it to protect the most vulnerable in our society. All of us are important.
And now, here are this week’s shout-outs to highlight some good news in our community.
In keeping with this week’s theme, I’d like to extend a big thank you to all those who volunteer for the City’s Meals for Seniors, Letters of Kindness and Phone Buddy programs – you’re bringing some light into the lives of local seniors.
Hats off as well to the seniors I see at local parks, chatting with each other from lawn chairs set up six feet apart. They’ve figured out how to socialize in a safe way and are setting a great example for the rest of us.
If you hear about something that’s worthy of a shout-out, please share it on social media and make sure to tag #CoquitlamSPIRIT.
Richard Stewart
Mayor
See also Video Message (xxx)
Bringing the Community Together
CoquitlamSPIRIT, part of the City’s pandemic response, provides a free online library at www.coquitlam.ca/spirit to help residents of all ages have fun, learn something, work up a sweat, support local businesses, engage with others and connect to resources. New content and activities are continually added.
CoquitlamSPIRIT centres around the themes of caring, connections and community to support residents and businesses through these difficult times. The underlying goals are to support community well-being, create new bonds and build lasting civic spirit and pride.
Supporting Our Community During the Pandemic
The City of Coquitlam is here to help, with these resources:
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/csrp to learn about the City’s Community Support and Recovery Plan, which is providing immediate and long-term support for the non-profit sector, businesses and residents;
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/spirit for a free library of activities for all ages, including fitness, arts and culture, outdoor activities and ways to connect with your community; and
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/covid19 for updates on City services and initiatives and COVID-19 health resources.
Coquitlam residents and businesses are also encouraged to follow the City of Coquitlam on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and download the CoquitlamConnect mobile app for up-to-date City information. Links are available at www.coquitlam.ca/connect.