Seniors in Crossfield have enjoyed several bus tours and excursions throughout the past year, thanks to a new program offered by the Town of Crossfield.
Eris Latham, recreation and events co-ordinator with the Town of Crossfield, came up with the idea of the chartered bus tours for seniors in June 2018, to help get the town's older population get out and about in their community and the surrounding areas.
“I had received some feedback from seniors that there was a tea for them on Tuesdays in Carstairs, on Wednesday in Crossfield and on Thursday in Airdrie,” she said. “I thought that seemed a bit redundant, and I thought maybe we should look at doing something else. [Then,] it came to me.”
According to Latham, the Town has provided out-of-town excursions to younger demographics for years, so she put the idea to local seniors to see if they has an interest. The response was “great,” Latham said.
The Crossfield Seniors’ Tours have since allowed seniors to explore venues in the region. With the current success of the initiative, Latham said, the Town is looking to add more trips and develop the program as a quarterly event.
The first excursion took the group to The Saskatoon Farm near De Winton, and saw more than 40 seniors participate, according to Latham.
“Our seniors got to go down and check out the greenhouses and the shops,” she said. “We had a really great little lunch and it was just a beautiful afternoon.”
The tours have become increasingly popular, Latham added, as they have received positive reviews. While the busses can accommodate nearly 60 seniors, she said she wouldn’t be surprised if the tour eventually surpasses that number.
“Historically, seniors aren't a demographic that we've offered a lot of events to. They were extremely appreciative, and they had a great time and I had a great time going with them,” Latham said. “We love the feedback we get from our current participants. If we can have more people coming out and feeling the same way about the program, then it's gravy for us.”
The popularity of the tours likely has to do with the need for something like it in the community, according to Latham. She added it can be hard for seniors to get outside and explore.
“I know there’s a lot of issues that come with people being stuck at home or having mobility issues, [such as] depression and becoming lonely,” she said, noting it’s important for seniors to be active when they can.
The tour not only gets seniors out and about, Latham said, but it provides a valuable opportunity to seniors who otherwise couldn’t afford similar outings.
While participants do have to purchase a spot on the tour, Latham said, the Town of Crossfield, along with funding from Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), works to subsidize the program however possible. She added local businesses have chipped in to sponsor trips for seniors in the past.
The next excursion is planned for the end of September, according to Latham. She said people can find more information on the Town of Crossfield Facebook page, or can request to have notices mailed to them.
For more information or to inquire about registration, seniors over the age of 55 can contact Latham by phone at 403-946-5565 or by email at [email protected]
