A local organization that has been around for over 30 years is looking at the last year and all of their successes.  

Kaylee Hannah, the Resource Coordinator at Portage Service for Seniors, says this past year has been fantastic, especially since this was the first time they hadn't had to deal with COVID-19 restrictions. 

"We've recived lots of donations from local grocers, Hutterite colonies, and of course, a lot of community support. We received a few monetary and physical donations for our stocking stuffers for the seniors' program, which wrapped this past December. We did 187 stockings for seniors in the community," she continues. "We received grants as well, which are going to be starting up this month." 

Hannah says that the Elder Abuse Awareness lunch was one of their biggest events in 2022, and it was held in the Herman Prior Activity Centre parking lot. A raffle was held and a bagged lunch was provided as they raised awareness for the important day.
 
She notes that one of the new programs will include an intergenerational bingo club (thanks to a grant received from MASC) where students from the high school partner with one of the seniors in their building to play some games and give them some company. 

When asked what it felt like to be back in full swing, Hannah says she is really thankful for 2022. 

"It feels it feels nice actually to be back. Getting back to a new normal. We're still doing masking and stuff with our staff and volunteers, but it's nice to work our way back to how things used to be before the pandemic."

The Resource Coordinator says that Service for Seniors is always looking for more volunteers, especially now that they have brought back all of the events they had before COVID. 

"We have to give a huge thank you to all the community members who supported us in the past year. We are so thankful for everyone who keeps letting us help the seniors in the community."