The Grand Parade fundraising walk for seniors takes place this Saturday in Red Deer

Brent LaBrosse, Fund Development Coordinator for BCL, says they have 60 people registered for the 2.5 km walk so far.

According to their website, they have already raised over half of their intended goal of $20,000.

The event was initially created in 2018 by the Blue Sea Foundation, creators of the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser for homelessness.

READ: Walk for a cause on Coldest Night of the Year

At last year’s inaugural Grand Parade in Red Deer, LaBrosse says they had 75 participants and raised roughly $8,000, split between their efforts and the Golden Circle senior resource centre.

BCL proceeds went towards their capital building fund, he says, as they work towards the goal of building new suites for low-income seniors. He adds this year’s funds will go towards the same fund.

According to BCL, there are over 13,995 seniors in Red Deer and over 1,400 of them have income below $30,000 per year.

They add there is a shortage of roughly 600 affordable housing units in the city to meet the needs of seniors.

LaBrosse adds that it is difficult to get governmental grants at all levels for seniors’ initiatives and housing.

“The challenge that we have is that seniors seem to be the lost population right now in our society. All these fundraising events that happen seem to go towards youth, which is a great cause, but the people who built our community and the foundation of our community seem to be the lost population,” he said.

He adds that at times, seniors can be suffering the most from deprivation of social activities, inability to drive themselves, lack of funds for recreation, and not enough familial support to help them complete tasks.

While BCL serves around 700 seniors, and about six per cent of Red Deer’s low-income seniors’ population, they state around 100 seniors sit on their waitlist for housing.

BCL has 10 buildings across the city with lodges providing daily supports like meals, recreation and housekeeping, an affordable housing program, and self-contained apartment for more independent living. Rent for low-income seniors is capped at 30 per cent of an individual’s income.

While they are funded by the provincial government and subsidized by the City, LaBrosse says these funds only cover operational costs and not recreational programming or purchasing of specialized equipment. Rather, he says donations cover those costs.

“When you become stagnant sitting in your apartment all day, your body goes into ‘reverse mobile’. When you have recreational activities and activities that stimulate your body and your mind, it allows them to have a more fulfilling life and extends their life,” he said.

LaBrosse says he hopes the walk will bring awareness for seniors’ needs.

Participants who raise $150 or more will receive a free t-shirt.

Interested participants can register or donate on the Grand Parade website.

(Supplied)

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by Alessia Proietti

The Grand Parade fundraising walk for seniors takes place this Saturday in Red Deer

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