The most anticipated event of the week at the Squamish Manor senior citizens residences has been cancelled since the VCH-provided activity fund has run dry.
But the seniors arent taking it lying down theyre generating a petition to demand the return of the Diners Club.
The Diners Club brings seniors together each week at the Manor Lounge to socialize while enjoying a meal from a different local restaurant for a mere $4 as Vancouver Coastal Health subsidizes the remaining $5 per meal.
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) public affairs officer Trudi Beutel said the $5,000 annual activity fund, which pays for such things as the Diners Club as well as yoga classes, has been depleted.
It was supposed to last the whole year and it didnt, she said.
The full activity budget will be reinstated in the next fiscal year beginning March 2011, she said, and local VCH staffer Janet Hickey-Blackburn has found someone to teach yoga. She is also working with the community to fund the Diners Club.
The seniors wont even notice the difference, said Beutel.
However seniors are already upset over losing their favourite event, and 34 seniors have signed a petition demanding its return. Theyre also offering to pay $6 towards the meals.
Ruth Garant, who has lived at the seniors centre for four years, is heading the petition.
Its very much a social occasion and one we look forward to every week we get to chat with one another and its a good time to report any events coming up, she said.
Squamish Senior Citizens Home Society administrator Laura Modray said the club provides a social outlet for seniors who might not normally venture far from their suites.
Many tenants who live alone often dont put in the effort when cooking for one. As well, we have tenants who are somewhat isolated and dont spend much time outside their suite, the weekly Diners Club provides an important social outing for these tenants.
Modray said the Diners Club also allows the hostess to see if a tenant is having medical issues or perhaps needs more assistance.
The Diners club is not just a meal, its also about prevention.
VCH has been running the senior supportive housing activities program out of the Manor/Cedars complex on Third Avenue for five years with the goal of providing support to seniors living in low-income housing.
The goal was to make the seniors happier and healthier, said Modray. Expected outcomes included fewer hospitalizations, ambulance trips and an improved quality of life in general.
VCH did an extensive survey three years ago and discovered measurable decreases in ambulance calls, hospitalization and home support.
Tenants participating in the program activities claimed to be happier and healthier, said Modray. VCH realized they were actually saving money, which is why it became a permanent program.
Garant and Modray are hoping local organizations might step forward to pick up the remaining tab.
The average cost to subsidize the Diners Club is $165 for 30 senior citizens, and Modray asked any community groups interested in helping out to contact the activities co-ordinator Sue Craigie at 604-848-5642.
