Chapter Update—Growing and Engaging the Network

Victoria, White Rock/South Surrey and the Tri-Cities, BC

Next up on CARP’s chapter road trip Anthony Quinn, our Manager of Community Development, working with BC Regional Rep Barry Thomas, and Chapter Chairs Ray Welch in Victoria, Jack Mar in WhiteRock/South Surrey organized a major west coast swing with Susan Eng as the guest speaker at the meetings.

Victoria CARP chapter board member and former city councilor, Laura Acton introduced Susan to Jean McRae, Executive Director of the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria, and her team. Susan outlined CARP’s mission to the staff and sought ways to improve communication between CARP and new Canadians.

That evening, the Victoria Chapter’s revitalized board held their first member gathering, emceed by Vancouver Sun columnist, Craig McInnes on the Campus of the University of Victoria. UVic’s prestigious Centre on Aging was co-host of the evening’s event. The “Friends of the Centre” will be joined by CARP in support of their annual Valued Elder Recognition Awards (VERA) and their Senior Friendly Business award this year, under the guidance of new Chapter Chair, Ray Welch.

The White Rock/South Surrey Chapter had a standing room only wine and cheese reception, followed by Susan’s presentation and Q&A session. Susan gave a report on her meetings in the Provincial Capital, including a discussion with White Rock MLA, Gordon Hogg, concerning Age-Friendly Cities and Aging in Place. Over 100 Zoomers, including White Rock Mayor, Catherine Ferguson enjoyed a very informative evening.

Pension and drug system reforms were key hot-button issues addressed by Susan at the Chapter meetings and during meetings with provincial politicians including Minister of Finance, Colin Hansen (who currently has his hands full with a major debate over the proposed HST) and the Minister of Healthy Living and Sport, Ida Chong, whose portfolio includes many issues important to seniors – including the promotion Age-Friendly Cities, Aging in Place, and Elder Abuse prevention.

To close out the BC trip, Anthony and Susan met with a group of members interested in launching a Chapter in the Tri-Cities (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody) area, which was organized by former White Rock Chair, Bruce Bird. There was a strong turn out for an afternoon meeting, and it promises to be a strong Chapter going forward.

Susan Eng and Bruce Bird, CARP Chair of BC’s Tri-Cities Chapter

Edmonton, Alberta

David Cravit, Executive VP ZoomerMedia and Ross Mayot travelled to Alberta for the Edmonton Chapter’s spring meeting. Chapter Chair, Bernice Remple and her team organized an excellent meeting at The Pioneer Cabin, where an energetic full-house was inspired by David’s keynote presentation—The Zoomer Revolution: How It Is Changing Everything. David put a charge into the attendees with his closing 5 Thought Starters:
1. Stretch
2. Don’t be afraid to reinvent; to look for the new and unexpected.
3. Don’t undersell your talents
4. Get online and explore
5. Don’t Behave!

Markham, Ontario

David Cravit, Ross Mayot and Gail Goldman attended the spring meeting of the Markham Chapter, organized by Chapter Chair Terry D’Silva. Participating in a panel session on Caregiving, moderated by Dr. Gordon Atherley, David outlined some current research on the changing attitudes and behaviour of Zoomers regarding healthcare.

Next up…Sudbury & Kingston
The National office’s outreach will continue as CARP National Office staff travel to Sudbury for the Chapter’s AGM, and to Kingston for their first Chapter-wide meeting in June.

Susan Eng and BC Finance Minister Colin Hansen

Full house at CARP Chapter Meeting in White Rock/South Surrey

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