Giants around us

November 2017

The Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program awarded the City of Thunder Bay a grant to empower seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experience with others and enable seniors to age in their homes confidently and comfortably.

The GIANTs (Grand Individuals Aging with Neighbours in Thunder Bay) project, coordinated by Age Friendly Thunder Bay, focused on addressing social isolation among seniors by encouraging them to talk with other seniors about aging at home and in their neighbourhood. 

Over the last months Age Friendly GIANTs has informed, educated, entertained and connected seniors through a variety of projects including gathering tips and hosting a digital storytelling workshop.

The GIANTs filmmakers include Diana Plomp, Jaro Kotalik, Brian Spare, Raziuddin Ahmad, Arlene Vibert, Nellie Murphy, Sis Angus, John Cosgrove, Lynn Strey and Judy Mostow. Their digital video stories, or personal stories packaged as three-minute movies, were showcased at Magnus Theatre to a sold-out crowd. The films make you think, plan and act no matter what age you happen to be. As one audience member said, “I was completely blown away and brought to tears. I did not know what to expect coming in, and I left feeling motivated, empowered and truly touched by these individuals.”

The GIANTs next public gathering showcasing their films and tips will be Tuesday, November 21 at the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre from 10 am to 11:30 am. Admission is free. Everyone is invited to attend this event to mix with the GIANTs and meet some neighbours. It just might turn out that the best gift you could give or receive this holiday season could be spending time with a neighbour. A life-long friendship is a pretty special present to treasure.

For more on the GIANTs project go to www.agefriendlythunderbay.ca

Nancy Angus is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Bayview. Contact her at nangus@shaw.ca

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