A team made up of clients and staff from Neighbourhood Link Support Services took on the Toronto challenge on June 10.
The Toronto Challenge is an annual City of Toronto fundraising event for long-term homes and community agencies that provide services and support to Toronto seniors. For 21 years, this unique and inspiring event has brought together people of all ages and backgrounds with a common cause – to enhance the quality of life of seniors across the city.
Pledges received from the team in the 1km walk will go towards helping finance a new van for seniors. Last year Neighbourhood Link provided 664 seniors with 13,807 rides, covering everything from essential doctor’s appointments to grocery shopping.
The Neighbourhood Link team consisted of 58 walkers, with 14 participants under the age of 65. One of the participants this year was Pei Luo, at the young age of 91. Pei attends the Neighbourhood Link Pui Hong program, which gives him the opportunity to eat and socialize with friends who speak Cantonese. A typical day at the Pui Hong program begins with over 60 Chinese seniors filled with contagious energy, singing songs in English and Cantonese. After singing, Pei chooses to play ping pong from the many activities offered by volunteers, from line dancing or Tai Chi to traditional water colour painting or playing traditional violin (erhu).
“The Neighbourhood Link Pui Hong program gives me an opportunity to enjoy a bit of the country I grew up in while celebrating my new life in Canada” said Pei.
We are thrilled to have had such a large group representing Neighbourhood Link Support Services for our first year participating in the Toronto Challenge. The team had a great time and we were joined by Ward 30 councillor Janet Davis for part of the walk.
It’s not too late to help support the New Van Fund – visit neighbourhoodlink.org and click on ‘donate’.
Lorie Fairburn is Neighbourhood Link’s Development and Marketing Manager.
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Seniors are young and a vital part of our society, we need to see more of this type visual activity.