Cara Loverock
Northern News Services
Published Friday, November 30, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - Two separate fundraising events held last weekend by the Yellowknife Seniors Society (YSS) and the Yellowknife Association for Concerned Citizens for Seniors (YACCS) raised more than $33,000 in support of programs for the elderly.

Karen Gochnauer accepts her diamond at the Baker Community Centre as winner of the annual Christmas bazaar raffle from Blake Lyons, president of the Yellowknife Seniors Society. - Cara Loverock/ NNSL photo

On Nov. 24, the annual Christmas bazaar at the Baker Community Centre, managed by YSS, raised $26,065. Vivian Squires, executive director of YSS, said there was a large demand from vendors to get space at the event. There was also a diamond raffle for numerous large gifts, including a diamond donated by Diavik. Seniors sold tickets for $10 at various locations around the city.

"We operate the Baker Community Centre," said Squires, "So we raise money for the operation of the centre."

The funds will go towards various programs for healthy living and wellness, such as yoga and bridge.

"We just really are so thankful to everyone in the community who supported the seniors," said Squires.

Wanda Penner, recreation therapy co-ordinator with Aven Manor, organized the annual silent auction for YACCS over the weekend, which took in more than $7,000.

The money raised will go towards buying the 29 residents gifts for Christmas and the decoration of the rooms and building. Any money not used for the Christmas season will be used throughout the year on activities for the residents.

"I'm just always amazed at the community support we get here in Yellowknife," said Penner. "We had such an outlay of donations from the business community, from individuals."

Not all of the residents at Aven Manor have families and the staff try to provide everyone with gifts and support for the holidays.

"We make sure that every resident here has gifts and really enjoys the Christmas season. They don't do without," said Penner.

Residents will also be treated to a new hairstyle by a hairdresser who will visit the home and get them ready for a picture with Santa.