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Published June 19, 2024 • 2 minute read
Patrick Campeau, president of the Cornwall-based Nurse Next Door regional franchise, and personal support worker Neteth Busky talk with visitors at the Seniors Health and Safety Fair at the Benson Centre on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Cornwall, Ontario. Photo by Todd Hambleton/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network Todd Hambleton/Todd Hambleton/Standard-Freeholder
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Cornwall City's Aging Well: Senior Health and Safety Fair appears to be in its golden years already.
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The second event, held on Wednesday, was on pace to surpass visitor numbers at the inaugural event in September 2022 by early afternoon, and exhibitor statistics are also pointing to positive trends for 2024.
“The event is growing,” said Norm Quenneville, a founding member of the Senior Friendly Community Committee, which has been active for about 10 years, “and I think this is a great time to have the event. It's pretty hot today, but (it's) very accessible and it's a really good venue to have an event.”
A crowded hallway at the Seniors Health and Safety Fair at the Benson Centre on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Cornwall, Ontario. Photo by Todd Hambleton/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network Photo by Todd Hambleton/Todd Hambleton/Standard-Freeholder
Shortly after noon began, 400 people had already passed through the fair's entrance, with booths set up along nearly the entire length of the lower level concourse.
“We had 600 people come last time and we'll probably have even more today,” Quenneville said.
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Karilyn Hebert, executive director of the Cornwall and Surrounding Area Social Development Council, and Norm Quenneville, board member of the Cornwall Senior Friendly Community Board, attend the Seniors Health and Safety Fair at the Benson Centre on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 in Cornwall, Ontario. Photo by Todd Hambleton/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network Photo by Todd Hambleton/Todd Hambleton/Standard-Freeholder
Twenty-one months ago there were 40 exhibitors, but this time around that number has soared to 55, “and there's even a waiting list,” Quenneville said.
The number of workshops was deliberately reduced, this time with organisers whittling it down to the most requested workshops via survey results, one of which was a presentation on fraud, where Constable Dan Cloutier from Cornwall Constabulary provided invaluable tips on how to avoid handing over valuable information to scammers.
The lunch area at the Seniors Health and Safety Fair at the Benson Centre on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Cornwall, Ontario. Photo by Todd Hambleton/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network Todd Hambleton/Todd Hambleton/Standard-Freeholder
The fair was a free event open to the public and showcased services and programs for seniors and their carers, with Transport for Cornwall providing free bus services to increase accessibility.
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To encourage participation and interaction, a passport/bingo card activity was introduced for participants, who were encouraged to visit different booths and collect stamps.
“Aging well is about maintaining your independence, ensuring a high quality of life, staying active as you get older, being involved in your community and enhancing the quality of life in retirement,” said Bernard LaMarche, chairman of the Age-Friendly Communities Committee.
A crowded hallway at the Seniors Health and Safety Fair at the Benson Centre on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Cornwall, Ontario. Photo by Todd Hambleton/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network Photo by Todd Hambleton/Todd Hambleton/Standard-Freeholder
“The fair is a fantastic opportunity for seniors and their caregivers to access valuable resources, learn new skills and connect with a wide range of services that support a healthy and vibrant age in life.”
Exhibitors ranged from senior citizens clubs, education and volunteering, municipal services, senior housing and recreational programs.
There was a chance to win prizes including a new Amylior GS 100 scooter valued at $1,995, donated by the title prize sponsor.
The event was funded in part by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors program and hosted by the Senior Friendly Communities Board and the Social Development Council of Cornwall and Surrounding Area.
thambleton@postmedia.com
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