News Flash

COQUITLAM, B.C., June 1, 2020 – Coquitlam has moved its Seniors’ Week festivities online for 2020, with a variety of activities celebrating residents aged 50 and up.

The City recognizes BC Seniors’ Week during the first full week of June each year – June 1 to 7 in 2020 – to honour the contributions of seniors and a generation that helped build the community and country.

While most 2020 activities are online to protect the age group most vulnerable to COVID-19, a week-long celebration is planned that includes engaging the community, online activities and fitness classes, and contactless meal delivery by City Council members.

What’s In Store for 2020

Part of the CoquitlamSPIRIT initiative, 2020 Seniors’ Week activities include:

• Daily social media posts to encourage residents to take part in Seniors’ Week by doing something nice for a senior, writing a letter to a senior, or volunteering for the Phone Buddy program (see below);
• Instructions for making a decorative door hanger to surprise a senior; 
• A creative writing program to inspire seniors to boost their creativity and capture their thoughts;
• A variety of online fitness programs designed for seniors, including chair exercises, gentle impact, high-intensity interval training and tips for home workout equipment; and
• Ongoing meal delivery through the City’s Meals for Seniors program (see below), with Council members assisting with deliveries on June 2 and 5.

Visit www.coquitlam.ca/seniorsweek for details. 

Support and Resources for Seniors

Resources available for Coquitlam seniors are also posted at www.coquitlam.ca/seniorsweek, including:

• The free weekly emailed Pavilion Newsletter about programs and activities for those 50 and up;
• Coquitlam’s Meals for Seniors, which deliver frozen low-cost meals made in-house to local seniors twice a week;
• Other meal delivery options such as POCOMO Meals on Wheels and a local take-out and delivery listing;
• Phone Buddy Program, which connects seniors with volunteers who provide social contact with weekly phone calls;
• Letters of Kindness, which accepts letters, poems and artwork from the public to include with Meals for Seniors deliveries;
• Information about Coquitlam stores providing designated seniors’ hours; and
• A listing of community agencies and health services for seniors.

Questions about these and other seniors’ programs can be directed to Dogwood Pavilion at 604-927-6098 or Glen Pine Pavilion at 604-927-6940.

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/connectt.

Media contact
Kathleen Vincent
Public Information Officer
Emergency Operations Centre
City of Coquitlam
604-218-1319
Email Media