Over 100 local seniors gathered together on Christmas Eve for an enjoyable time of socializing and a delicious buffet style turkey dinner.
The event was put on by the IRIS (Increasing Recreation Involving Seniors) Project in partnership with the Black Rooster.
The IRIS Project budget supplied $300 towards food but the majority of the food, beer, wine, and pop was donated by other sponsors.
More than 20 volunteers helped to make the event a success including Black Rooster staff, friends, and family who volunteered their time for cooking, serving, setting up and cleaning up.
The event was free, but according to the organizer and local seniors advocate Sandi McCreight, the seniors insisted on a donation jar.
Over $500 was donated by the seniors and family members. All of the funds will go to the IRIS Project to increase the number of senior’s events.
McCreight reports that they have secured enough funding to provide one coffee gathering and one luncheon per month until next summer.
“Thank you to Michelle and staff at the Black Rooster and all the other volunteers, for their amazing commitment to this fantastic event,” said McCreight. “The feedback from the participants and the volunteers has been amazing. It wouldn’t have happened without the collaboration of many.”
McCreight also added a warm word of appreciation to the seniors who attended, “To the seniors that shared their Christmas Eve with us — a huge thank you. You are amazing.”
Upcoming IRIS events:
Jan. 11 — Coffee from 9-11 a.m. followed by yoga at 11:15 a.m.
Jan. 25 — Lunch, doors open at 11:30 a.m. lunch at noon, registration is required
Feb. 8 — Coffee from 9-11 a.m. followed by yoga at 11:15 a.m.
Feb. 22 — Lunch, doors open at 11:30 a.m. lunch at noon, registration is required
Feb. 23 — Grief: Let’s Talk About It
To register contact Sandi McCreight or Brittany Scott at the Castlegar Community Response Network castlegarcrn@hotmail.com or 250-444-4747.
If you are interested in volunteering or donating to the IRIS Project, contact Sandi McCreight or Brittany Scott at the above number.
