Dear Editor:
Re: Project for seniors in trouble, Burnaby NOW, March 20
A disturbing article presented the plight of the volunteer-run Seniors Active in Living program at North Burnaby's Confederation Centre.
The news upset me but, thankfully, at least one local politician was not too happy about this either.
To quote from the article, "the program runs every Tuesday, from 9: 30 to 11: 45 a.m., at Confederation centre. Seniors can get their blood pressure, height and weight checked, enjoy massages and partake in "energy healing." There is also a health information presentation, followed by chair exercises."
As a senior myself, and a member of the seniors centre, I can vouch for the importance of this volunteer program for hundreds of seniors trying to manage their health care with the assistance of many health-related professionals.
To hear that the program will lose its Fraser Health funding is most disturbing and highly retrograde.
I am delighted to see that one B.C. New Democratic Party candidate, Janet Rutledge, was also concerned and immediately headed to Confederation centre to talk to people there, including office staff.
She took notes and is planning to do what she can to remedy the situation.
What impressed me even more is that she attended without media, thereby making her visit one of concern and not a mere photo op.
It is my hope that she will also visit the Tuesday morning activities to see this volunteer group in action.
Meanwhile, shame on the Fraser Health Authority.
Dolores Myles, Burnaby
