By Josh Hall and Sheldon Spackman

touched

Nearby residents salute ongoing work of Golden Circle staff

May 30, 2020 | 7:00 AM

A tribute event to staff and the work being done at Red Deer’s Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre put a smile on the face of many Friday morning.

The tribute, which saw people in a big circle waving at staff from outside, was spawned by tenants in the Three Robins apartments across the street who had seen staff still filing in and out of the downtown building.

“We were touched by the gesture. You don’t realize how important you are to the community until something happens, and they bring it to your attention,” says Monica Morrison, executive director, noting the resident at the helm was Glenn Allen.

“The members are missing the ability to get together with their friends, and volunteers have gone above and beyond continuing to provide service to a lot of them who are at high-risk.”

With still no end in sight for the pandemic, Golden Circle continues to offer various services ranging from a frozen meal program to grocery delivery, and medical appointment transportation to wellness calls. There is also elder abuse support.

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But that doesn’t mean there aren’t financial concerns for the long-standing organization.

“We have been successful on a couple of grants from both the provincial and federal governments, and we have two more grants to see if we are successful on to take us to December 31, 2020,” says Morrison. “With the centre being closed and not knowing what the relaunch will look like with a potential second wave, our ‘drop-in’ side of the organization is not able to generate revenue. We have been receiving donations though and for that we are forever grateful.”

While times may remain tough for some time, Morrison says Golden Circle will be there.

“We encourage people to reach out if they need help, or encourage their neighbor or friend to call if they need help,” she says.

“We are all in this together and together we will come through this. You don’t need to do it alone.”

Golden Circle is a registered not-for-profit and does issue tax receipts to anyone who wishes to make a donation.

Next week, Morrison is having her head shaved to raise money for Golden Circle, and has already raised over $7,000. Call 403-343-6074 for more info.