It's been a busy season at the Ponoka Family and Community Support Services.
The organization hosted a Mother's Day brunch for lucky three winners and their guests at Eighteen91.
"Our Handivan customers will also have the opportunity to participate in a draw for winning free Handivan passes, and to attend a Father's Day brunch as well," said Indira Rambally, community navigator and silver lining senior coordinator with Ponoka FCSS.
There is also good news about a more recent program launched by Ponoka FCSS earlier this year - the Men's Shed.
The first meeting of the Men's Shed was held at the Ponoka Legion on March 10, and the concept - to provide a means of connection primarily for local retired men - has struck a chord in the community.
Originating in Australia in the late 1990s, the Men’s Sheds movement has since grown to over 2,500 sheds in more than 12 countries, and the numbers keep growing.
"While each is as different as the communities they are found in, Men’s Sheds all share the same aim of improving men’s health and well-being by providing a space for social interaction, skill-sharing, and community engagement," according to Men's Sheds Canada.
According to a report from the Alberta Centre for Sustainable Communties, "Men’s Sheds are a bottom-up, community-driven approach, designed to support
retired and older men’s mental health.
"By creating an environment when men can engage and work with one another in an informal, open, and forgiving atmosphere, and with a community-related purpose, Men’s Sheds are meant to promote social inclusion, camaraderie, purpose, and ultimately, as it is often quipped in the Men’s Shed world, 'health by stealth'.”
The report also pointed out that Men’s Sheds provide opportunities for participants to make new friends, contribute to their communities, enhance their sense of belonging, provide a sense of structure to their lives, and talk openly about their ongoing concerns.
Meetings run the last Monday of the month from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Ponoka Learning Centre boardroom in the Civic Building through to November, with the exception of July.
Also, during the upcoming meetings, participants will have an opportunity to plan meet-ups for the summer and fall, which could include such activities as fishing trips, barbecues, building projects, and various volunteering opportunities.
On another note, and just around the corner, Ponoka FCSS is organizing a seniors' free group trip to Discovery Wildlife Park on June 4. To join in, call Judy at Ponoka FCSS at 403-783-4462 by June 2 at 4:30 p.m.
For more about all upcoming events and programs, call the Ponoka FCSS office at 403-783-4462.
