RANKIN INLET
More than 100 elders started their day on a tasty note during the Hamlet of Rankin Inlet's annual Elder's Breakfast this past month.

Coun. Gabe Karlik prepares another delicious plate during the annual Elder's Breakfast sponsored by the Hamlet of Rankin Inlet this past month. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

The breakfast plates are prepared and the elders served by members of hamlet council during the event.

Rankin Mayor Robert Janes said it's important to host the breakfast every year because the elders mean so much to the community.

He said the hamlet needs to do whatever it can, whenever it can, to support the elders and make them feel good about community life.

"That's especially important this time of the year," said Janes.

"Sometimes, you know, some of the elders are dealing with problems, and anything we can do to make them feel a little special is the right thing to do."

Rankin's recreation department is well-known for its efforts to involve the elders in as much of the Christmas activities as possible.

Janes said rec co-ordinator David Clark deserves a great deal of credit for his efforts during the holidays.

He said Clark is one of the prime motivators for the events, and does whatever he can to make sure they go well.

"I can't give enough credit to David (Clark) for the great job he does every year.

"The elders say thank you following events like the breakfast, but there's no real need for it.

"We consider it an honour and a privilege to be able to do things for our elders.

"We hope to be able to do them for a long time yet, and like everything else we're able to do for them throughout the year, the elders enjoy the breakfast and they don't forget, which is always nice to know."

Janes arrived in Rankin in 1988 to work with the municipal government.

He said he often looks around during the Elder's Breakfast, taking note of all the people he knows who, at one time, sat on council or various boards and agencies in the community.

"These people were almost elders then and you can't help but think, holy moly, they're still around.

"And they're still enjoying life and still having a good time.

"They go to the square dances and they go to all the special activities we're able to hold.

"They're still having fun, and anything we can do to help enhance that experience for them is just wonderful, in my opinion."