It was all smiles on Wednesday, Jan. 10, as 91原创 Senior Resources Society staff tallied the donations received during the annual year-end fundraising campaign.

A record $50,000 was donated to the senior society, well surpassing the initial goal of $15,000.

In 2022, $9,000 was raised, but this year the society hoped to raise a little more, explained executive director Kate Ludlam.

鈥淲e kept raising our goal. We hit $15,000 after a week and a half, so we increased it to $25,000 which took another week and we got there. We raised it to $35,000, and we got there. And just after Christmas, we reached $50,000,鈥� she said.

Donations came primarily from members of the society, but also from local organizations and businesses in 91原创, including Gateway Entertainment, Willoughby Community Hall, and Cascades Casino.

鈥淸There鈥檚] lots of issues we are trying to manage, but we are seeing more and more people coming through our doors needing help,鈥� Ludlam said.

Funding goes towards the LSRS programs and community services for seniors in need, from grocery shopping for seniors to helping a family find an affordable home.

鈥淲e are so worried about what鈥檚 coming, because things are converging. The housing crisis, I know impacts everybody, but it鈥檚 really impacting seniors. Homeless seniors? Why as a society do we allow that to happen?鈥� she shared.

Ludlam said there are many stories the senior society hears, and with the growing demand her and the staff and volunteers want to do more.

鈥淪eniors are having to make decisions if they pay their rent or buy their groceries, or their medications, so if we can provide them with even a little bit of support, that helps them.鈥�

There are also volunteers available to help seniors with transportation, income support applications, recreation centre passes, and many other day-to-day necessities.

鈥淲e are so grateful the community responded so well because the need is so obvious. We want to do more, we want to help more people in need, and the [donations] allow us to do that,鈥� Ludlam said.

People interested in donating or volunteering at the 91原创 senior society go online at .

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