Columnists
Surging forward
Some of you might be watching our Facebook page where we’ve been posting regular updates after the “traumatic transformer event” that sent three times as much electricity than normal into our building at 74 King Street in Picton.
It took over a week for things to return to any semblance of normal. The event occurred at 11 p.m. on Thursday, October 29 and by Friday, November 6 we finally had most things working again. What remains is the heating system, and that’s on order. We also have to replace all the devices that were “fried” during this event, and that includes all of the UPS (surge protectors) for our computers (the UPSs died doing their job), most of our printers, the autoclave unit, HEPA filters used for foot care, three of the five TVs, the dishwasher, two commercial freezers and the piano. A few other items are also needing replacement.
Our staff worked diligently to keep things going. They are truly amazing. Our volunteers kept delivering Meals on Wheels, groceries, and taking seniors to their medical appointments. We’re moving some of the Seniors’ Centre programming off-site. We can’t have seniors in a building without heat. Things are getting better, though, and we hope to have everything as it should be within a couple weeks.
Even while they were working without computers and phones (and shivering at their desks) our people were making sure that the free Seniors’ Active Living Fair taking place on Thursday, November 12 would go off without a hitch. The list of vendors for the Fair has been maxed out for weeks and there will be over 50 tables with people ready and waiting to greet the seniors and others who attend. We’re providing a free lunch (while supplies last) and snacks, too. This all takes place at the Wellington & District Community Centre from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plan to stay for the day. You really don’t want to miss the County Ukelele Band performance! There will be giveaways and door prizes. It’s going to be great fun and lots of learning. Don’t miss it!
To keep up to date on what’s going on at Community Care you should like and follow our Facebook page. We actually have two Facebook pages—one for the programs and one for the Thrift Shop. Like and follow them both so you don’t miss anything.
You can also check our website at www.communitycareforseniors.org and click on the “Activity Calendar” button to find out what’s on. We have a monthly newsletter chock full of information and you can sign up by emailing info@communitycareforseniors.org.
It’s been quite a week. Thank you to everyone who helped get things back on track. Thank you to everyone who had to be patient with us while we sorted this out. Some things are unpredictable and we proved that with this disaster. The key is that we kept going and we kept helping seniors live at home.
It will take more than a power surge into our building to knock us down. We have the power we need to keep going no matter what. We will do just that. In just over two months we’ll be in our 50th year. An organization lasts that long by being resilient—with great staff, volunteers, board members, donors, neighbours, suppliers and supporters.
We have the power. See you soon!
Debbie MacDonald Moynes is Executive Director of The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association.
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