Tag: Seniors

  • Lunar New Year Open House for Seniors

    Lunar New Year Open House for Seniors

    Seniors (55+) are invited to celebrate the Year of the Snake with us at our Lunar New Year Open House, happening on Saturday, February 8 from 12-2pm at the CNH Gym on 5288 Joyce Street. In addition to entertainment, there will be prize draws during the event.

    Entertainment line-up:
    – Chinese Classical Dance
    – Hula Along Dance
    – Fashion Modelling Dance
    – Peter Yap
    – Zumba demo class

    Plus:
    – Chinese calligraphy with Thomas Wong
    – Flower bouquets with Ave Maria Garden volunteers
    – Information on resources for seniors

    The Lunar New Year Open House is free for seniors and their guests. Lunch is not included, but pastries will be available for $1 to $2. There will be limited seating available for the elderly and persons with disabilities during performances only.

    For more information, email schu@cnh.bc.ca or call 604-435-0375.

    The event is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program and VanCity Savings Credit Union.

  • Empowering seniors through digital literacy

    Empowering seniors through digital literacy

    Suman and his wife, Nenita, immigrated to Canada from India decades ago. They built a life together filled with love, laughter, and resilience. But as technology continued to advance at a rapid pace, they found themselves feeling somewhat overwhelmed and left behind.

    Determined to embrace the digital age, Suman and Nenita decided to enroll in the Collingwood Tech Support Program. From the moment they walked through the doors, they were met with warmth and kindness from the volunteers and the UBC student who dedicated their time to helping seniors like them.

    With each one-on-one session, Suman and Nenita eagerly soaked up new knowledge like sponges. Whether it was learning how to navigate Facebook to stay connected with family and friends back in India, or mastering the intricacies of typing in Hindi on their keyboard, the volunteers tailored each lesson to their specific needs and pace.

    But what truly stood out to Suman and Nenita was the patience and understanding shown by their mentors. Despite their initial struggles and hesitations, the volunteers never once made them feel inadequate or out of place. Instead, they encouraged them to ask questions, experiment with new skills, and celebrate their progress along the way.

    Over the course of just a few months, Suman and Nenita’s confidence in using technology soared to new heights. They marvelled at their ability to adjust text sizes on their phones for easier reading and edit photos with just a few taps of their fingertips. Each session left them feeling empowered and excited for the next opportunity to learn and grow.

    With newfound skills and confidence, Suman and Anita eagerly looked forward to embracing all that the digital world had to offer. And as they continued on their journey of lifelong learning, they knew that they would always have a dedicated community of mentors cheering them on every step of the way.

    One-on-one tech support is available for seniors and older adults who need help with their devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktop computers. Learn more at cnh.bc.ca/seniors or call 604-435-0323.

  • Long-time volunteer aims to be a friendly face at CNH

    Long-time volunteer aims to be a friendly face at CNH

    When faced with free time after retiring in 2003, Eliza Ngan started visiting Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) to pass the time.

    “I live very close by… I [came to CNH] to do all kinds of exercise in the mornings, I also joined tai chi and yoga,” says Eliza. “I started coming here to socialize with a whole bunch of other seniors since they’re always close by.”

    “I know everybody here, every one of them because I’ve been exercising here every morning for so long. The [faces of the] people may change but they’re so friendly.”

    Eliza Ngan volunteers weekly at Coffee Social, a popular program at CNH that brings seniors and older adults together through coffee and conversation.

    In addition to exercising, Eliza started volunteering for CNH two years later–and has been helping out ever since. She started helping in the kitchen on and off in 2005, then began facilitating the weekly coffee social program for seniors and older adults in 2017. Eliza says these activities helped shape her routine and socialization, especially since she lives alone.

    “I’m by myself so I didn’t want to be alone. I like people, I like to socialize,” she says. “I like to keep myself busy. I still do my housework, change my sheets, do my laundry, everything.”

    While Eliza says she appreciated the regimen volunteering at CNH gave her, she had to take a break in 2022 when she was recovering from health issues and dealing with subsequent issues. Despite this, she was back to helping at CNH as soon as she was cleared to do so.

    “Really, I just wanted to do something and get out of my house,” she explains. “Whatever people ask, whatever I can do, I do.”

    “I don’t mind the time, [even though I’m now] getting tired easier. I’ll keep coming and coming so long as I can [do it].”

    Eliza encourages people interested in volunteering, especially younger folks, to help whenever possible.

    “Just tell them what to do and be friendly. I’ll do what I can and help them, and make them feel good to be here,” says Eliza.

    This story was originally written for our 2024 Annual Report, which highlights the experiences of program participants, volunteers and community members at CNH. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at CNH at cnh.bc.ca/volunteer.

  • CNH Savvy Seniors presents: Tech Cafe

    After Community Lunch, Seniors (55+) are invited to enjoy cool drinks, fresh fruit, and other refreshments at our Tech Cafe as you learn about cell phone basics and Internet safety. Explore Gmail, Google Maps, WhatsApp, and more. After a short presentation, a team of six staff and volunteers will be available to answer your tech questions.

    To register, call 604-435-0375 or e-mail seniorsassistant@cnh.bc.ca.

    This Tech Cafe is a collaboration of the CNH Seniors Tech Support and Savvy Seniors Elder Abuse Prevention programs. Savvy Seniors is funded by the ESDC New Horizons Seniors Program.

  • CNH Savvy Seniors presents: Beach Party

    At Community Lunch, Seniors (55+) are invited to learn about sun safety from Aileen Cruz, a registered nurse from Three Links Care Centre. Afterwards, emergency preparedness coordinator Sue Woodland will be sharing tips on how to stay safe in the heat. Light snacks will be served for this free event.

    To register, call 604-435-0375 or e-mail Susanna at schu@cnh.bc.ca with your name and phone number.

  • Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2024: “Every Moment Matters”

    Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2024: “Every Moment Matters”

    April 14-20, 2024 is National Volunteer Week! This year’s theme, “Every Moment Matters,” highlights the importance of volunteers and each contribution they make at a moment when we need support more than ever. Volunteers make a lasting impact in our community’s inclusivity, strength and wellbeing as they continue to generously share their time, talent, and energy.

    We share some stories from our staff that celebrate these volunteers’ collective impact through their kindness, generosity, and commitment.

    Morning Star Program

    “Our Morning Star volunteer team is extremely dedicated and CNH is very lucky to have such wonderful volunteers. The team comes in every Saturday morning at 6 am to serve a hot breakfast to an unhoused and/or low-income community. The team is friendly and very welcoming to all of our participants and makes sure they all feel comfortable. This volunteer team is very special and we appreciate all that they do for our Morning Star program!” Sue Woodland, Morning Star Program Manager

    Seniors Programs

    “Arleen Cruz is capable, ready and willing to do whatever is needed. She began volunteering at CNH when she was in middle school but joined the Seniors’ team last year. Whether she is volunteering with the walking club, teaching the ukulele, leading a singalong or showing movies, her love for seniors shows.” –Susanna Chu, Housekeeping and Wellness Program Manager

    RISE Community Health Centre

    “Local resident and volunteer Patricio Ibarra is one of the founding members of the RISE Community Health Centre (CHC) Advisory, which was formed in 2019. His accomplishments with the committee include helping to select the name RISE, helping to hire our first staff member Sonja Rietkerk, helping with the RISE CHC grand opening and helping to approve the proposal for the RISE CHC Pharmacy. Patricio brings a wealth of knowledge to the committee from his lived experience as an immigrant from Chile, active member of the Renfew-Collingwood neighbourhood and as former president of the CNH Board of Directors. In fact, Patricio has been volunteering at CNH for the last 20 years! Patricio is stepping down from the RISE CHC Advisory Committee this year, and we want to thank him for his longstanding commitment to CNH. Thank you, Patricio!” –Sandra Bodenhamer, Director, RISE Community Health Centre

    Food Hub Programs

    “Miguel has been an incredibly dedicated volunteer for our Food Hub food drop program for almost two years. What makes his commitment even more remarkable is that his mother, Esperanza, and his son, Anthony, are also actively involved in supporting the program. Miguel’s positive energy and warm demeanour have significantly contributed to the program’s success, creating an environment where participants feel valued and supported. He goes above and beyond to assist those in need and serves as a crucial link between participants and our staff. Miguel consistently shares valuable feedback and insights with our team, helping us continuously improve the program. His contributions are invaluable, and we are fortunate to have him as part of our volunteer team.” –Ross Oh, Food Hub Manager

    These are just a few examples of CNH volunteers in our community. To learn about volunteering at CNH, visit cnh.bc.ca/volunteer.

  • “It was as if we were guests in your home”—a recap of the 2023 Seniors’ Holiday Luncheon

    “It was as if we were guests in your home”—a recap of the 2023 Seniors’ Holiday Luncheon

    Written by Susanna Chu, Housekeeping and Wellness Program Manager

    Our seniors are still talking about the CNH Holiday Luncheon, says Information & Referral/Reception Manager Jenny Eng-Chan.

    “Entertainment, prizes, decorations, food, activities… it was if we were guests in your home,” one of them said.
    These guests, many of whom arrived early, were greeted by a musician on bagpipes. Inside, they discovered glittering holiday décor and floral arrangements—made by seniors in a workshop led by Ave Maria Garden volunteers—graced every table.

    As CNH Executive Director Jennifer Gray-Grant acknowledged, the event was held on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples. She thanked special guest Adrian Dix, MLA for Vancouver-Kingsway, who had helped secure provincial funding to save the CNH Community Lunch program and make this holiday luncheon special.

    A team of staff and volunteers served a delicious turkey lunch with all the fixings while a local quartet called the Backporch Serenaders set the mood with delightful old-time jazz. Long-time CNH volunteer and Elvis impresario Peter Yap dazzled the audience. His energetic rock-and-roll performance was followed by the graceful Hawaiian rhythms of RISE dietitian Rani Wangsawidjaya’s hula dances.

    Volunteers Barry Londry and Martha Barrones shared their “Memories of Home”—Barry recalled hot chocolate and gifts with family, plus 15 years of celebrating with friends at the CNH holiday luncheon. Martha talked about advent, piñatas, and posadas in Mexico and Spain. She and Santa presented the preschoolers who performed next with a piñata for their efforts.

    Finally, the Highs and Lows Mental Health Choir treated our seniors to holiday favourites and led them in caroling, with Santa joining the ranks of the singers. They ended with Silent Night in multiple languages.
    Throughout the afternoon, the guests were surprised and delighted by scratch-and-win games and many prize draws. One in four guests received a gift bag of donated self-care items. Heart to Home frozen meal delivery, Liberte Café and Restaurant, London Drugs, and Subway contributed gift cards. And as they have every year, Panaderia Latina Bakery provided 100 servings of luscious cakes. A $500 grant from VanCity’s Collingwood Community Branch and a $1500 donation from Safeway Collingwood provided six grand prizes—a plush blanket and cash—and a goody bag for each guest, including a Safeway gift card and care items. A gentle reminder to take care of themselves.

    After attending many holiday gatherings in the neighbourhood this season, Peter Yap says, “The CNH holiday luncheon was the best.”

  • Seniors: Caring for the Caregiver Workshop (55+)

    Join us Monday, Jan. 22, as we host this free workshop by seniors for seniors! Learn what causes caregivers burn out, how to prevent it and what resources are available.

    For more information, call 604-435-0375 or email Susanna Chu at schu@cnh.bc.ca.

    Registration

    This event is free; registration is required. Register using you preferred method below.

    • In-person: Front desk at CNH Joyce or the CNH Annex
    • Online: Using our registration portal
    • Phone: Call 604-435-0323
  • Recreation: Qigong (55+)

    Recreation: Qigong (55+)

    Tuesdays, July 8-Sept. 9, 2025 from 9:30 – 10:30 am at the CNH Main Site

    Also known as Baduanjin Qigong, this gentle program uses callisthenics, stretching, and breathing exercises to increase circulation of vital energy (Qi) to maintain good health and fight disease. This exercise is particularly suitable for those who find Tai Chi complicated and physically demanding.

    Instructor: Thomas Wong

    Registration

    Online registration is now available through our web portal. Drop-in classes appear online 24 hours before the session. Follow the link below or call 604-435-0323 to register on the phone.

    As of Feb. 1, 2024, we are pleased to announce the expansion of our payment methods to provide greater convenience for our members. In addition to our existing practices of accepting debit cards, cheques and cash, we now welcome Mastercard and Visa payments. It is important to note that the exemption from credit card usage for childcare payments remains in effect. In addition, we are excited to introduce the capability for refunds to be processed back onto cards, further enhancing our commitment to member satisfaction.

    Program Guidelines

    For health and safety guidelines for this program, please click here (CNH Annex) or here (Main House).

  • RISE: Embracing the needs of the community

    RISE: Embracing the needs of the community

    When Darren Childs, 60, first visited RISE Community Health Centre, he says he was “scared to death of medicine.” With cerebral palsy, diabetes and other health challenges, he says he had no interest in the healthcare system because previous practitioners would give him medications that made him sick. A year after his first visit to RISE, which is operated by Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH), he now has a different view of medical care.

    “The important part is giving people the freedom to feel who they are,” says Darren. “It’s not just that my lungs hurt or my legs hurt, it’s the idea that RISE and its medical team have hooked me up with the right people that match my personality as well.”

    While Darren says he can’t speak for everybody, he says the staff at RISE and their willingness to answer his questions and be transparent with him has made all the difference. Living with both a disability and in poverty, Darren says he is often expected to meet the needs of the system but what he really desires is for the system to meet his needs.

    At RISE, he has found a system that he describes as “wonderful.” Since joining RISE, Darren has a team of medical professionals working with him, including social workers, dietitians, nurses, pharmacists and nurse practitioners.

    “At one point, [RISE] assembled all the people that were meeting with me,” says Darren. “There were 10 people that met with me on a regular basis and we had a roundtable meeting so I could find out what everybody’s job was and how I was going to get help.”

    Having his needs met beyond basic medical care has been “the biggest gift that RISE offers,” explains Darren. “It’s the ability to go back into a community and embrace the needs of not just one patient or 10 patients or all the patients but indeed, the community.”

    Further, he says RISE staff have helped connect him to other CNH programs and services that support his mental and physical well-being. Darren receives produce from the food hub program and has received additional support from staff when the batteries died in his wheelchair, making it impossible for him to leave his apartment. Additionally, he actively participates in social prescribing, which bridges health and social services for seniors and older adults in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood. Darren says he’s built new relationships through this program and discovered new goals.

    Today, Darren says he no longer feels alone and his overall quality of life and well-being has improved. His perspective on medicine has changed so much that he was also asked to, and is considering, joining RISE’s advisory board.

    “If [RISE] knows that the community has a need, then they try to fix that need,” says Darren.


    This story was originally written for our 2023 Annual Report, which highlights the experiences of program participants, volunteers and community members at CNH. For more information about services provided by RISE Community Health Centre, visit www.cnh.bc.ca/rise or call 604-558-8090.