September 29, 2004
October To Be Proclaimed Seniors' And Elders' Month
October To Be Proclaimed Seniors' And Elders' Month- - -
Rondeau to Welcome All Seniors At Celebration of 15th Manitoba Event
Seniors' and Elders' Month will get underway Friday with a celebration at St. Boniface College when the province will proclaim October Seniors' and Elders' Month in
Manitoba for the 15th year.In keeping with this year's theme, Celebrating the Diversity of Older Manitobans, the event will include entertainment, healthy active lifestyle tips and two recreational walks, Jim Rondeau, minister responsible for seniors, announced today.
"Oct. 1 is the International Day of Older Persons, designated by the United Nations to increase awareness of and appreciation for the many contributions that older people make to society," said Rondeau. "We have celebrated this day since 1989. It is an opportunity for seniors and elders from different communities to connect and celebrate their accomplishments and abilities."
The event, at 200 avenue de la Cathédrale, runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Many of the activities will be available in both French and English. The first 500 participants will receive registration kits filled with useful products. The morning will begin with opening ceremonies including refreshments, followed by warm up and chair exercises. Two scenic walks have been planned. One is a short historical tour past the St. Boniface Cathedral to Louis Riel's grave, the other is a longer walk (less than 30 minutes) around the St. Boniface neighbourhood.
Throughout the day, healthy, active lifestyles will be promoted with Tai Chi, belly dancing and weight lifting demonstrations. The afternoon will feature a performance by the St. Boniface Jazz Band, the Danseurs and a presentation from motivational speaker Winn Lindsay. The day will finish up with door prizes and a singalong.
Free transportation to and from the event will be provided by Winnipeg Transit from several senior centres throughout Winnipeg. Free parking is available at
Fort Gibraltor in Whittier Park , location of the Festival du Voyageur. Free shuttle buses sponsored by Beaver Bus Lines will operate between 9 and 10 a.m. and 2 and 3 p.m. to transport people between the parking lot and St. Boniface College."It is important to recognize that many committed individuals and organizations worked all year long to organize this event," added Rondeau. "I commend the efforts of these volunteers and thank them for their dedication."
More information about this event and Seniors' and Elders' Month is available from the Seniors Information Line at 945-6565 or from outside
Winnipeg (toll free) at 1-800-665-6565.- 30 -