NEWS & EVENTS
Santa's Secret Service 2009 Annual General Meeting
Do you sometimes find yourself outraged at the way that seniors are treated in our society? Wishing that “they” would do something about ensuring that every senior has access to the services and support they need? Not sure who “they” are?
While Santa’s Secret Service can’t address all the issues that affect seniors, we can play a role in ensuring that those seniors that are isolated are remembered at Christmas and on their birthdays. If you aren’t one already, consider becoming a member and have your voice heard, so that you are not the “they” that we so often refer to.
Members play a key role to in determining the direction and on-going operations of Santa’s Secret Service. It is the members that must vote on changes, agree to the organization’s direction, and provide approval or voice concerns.
Much has happened since last year’s AGM, and more changes are afoot. We need you, our members, to join us at this year’s AGM to voice your opinion and ensure that we’re on the right track.
Please mark your calendar and join us for the 2009 AGM:
DATE: September 10th, 2009
LOCATION: Cantos Music Foundation, 134 11th Avenue SE, Calgary
TIME: 6 PM
Members may wish to review the current bylaws in advance of the meeting.
In addition to the business to be conducted at the AGM, keynote speaker Jennifer Buchanan, nationally recognized speaker and owner of JB Music Therapy, will entertain and inspire us, as well as touch our hearts and minds with stories of music and its impact on seniors. A fitting end to the evening will be an opportunity to join us for a short tour of the Cantos Music Collection, led by knowledgeable Cantos staff.
Please RSVP your attendance before Monday, September 7th by calling 403.257.8339 or send an email to coordinator@santassecretservice.com. We look forward to seeing you at the AGM, and sharing with us as we celebrate the successes of the last year, and discuss the plans for the coming months.
Cheer All Year
CHEER ALL YEAR: AN EXCITING MAJOR INITIATIVE FOR SANTA’S SECRET SERVICE
In 2006, care providers reported that birthdays are another lonely time for seniors without family and friends. Since then, Santa's Secret Service Board, volunteers and staff have worked together to provide a birthday gift to approximately 600 of the over 2200 seniors who have been identified as isolated.
Three years later, we have devised a plan to ensure that all of these seniors will receive warm wishes with a card and a gift on both Christmas and their birthday. In addition to the Secret Santas who were able to provide two gifts for their senior, Meyers Norris Penny, Canada's 7th largest Chartered Accounting and Business Advisory Firm has committed both funds and volunteer resources to make Cheer All Year possible.
“Isolation isn’t an issue just at Christmas. Because birthdays can be an equally lonely time, we wanted to reach out to the seniors in our communities year round. The partnership with MNP is making this possible, and enabling us to deliver Cheer All Year sooner than we would have otherwise, and to a larger number of seniors. Additionally, the resources, enthusiasm and talent that MNP bring to the table are helping us to grow and streamline as an organization, and that level of engagement is very exciting, as it not only includes traditional volunteer efforts, but extends into the boardroom as well.”, says Cindy Chambers, President of Santa's Secret Service Board of Directors.
The official public launch of Cheer All Year by Santa's Secret Service will take place during Seniors’ Week, on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at Metropolitan Calgary Housing for Seniors, Aspen Lodge (1171 Bow Valley Lane NE). In conjunction with MNP, we are planning a traditional birthday party, complete with cheerful decorations, musical entertainment and cake. We hope that all supporters of Santa's Secret Service will join us as we celebrate seniors in our community. Please call 403.257.8339 to confirm your attendance.
