Do you know anyone looking to make some extra cash?
The Golden Circle’s Brokered Worker Program, administered through our Outreach Department, provides valuable help to community members with services such as:
• Light housekeeping
• Lawn and garden work
• Minor handyman repairs
• Snow shovelling
• Painting
• One-time cleaning
The Golden Circle screens and interviews all Brokered Workers and matches them with clients. Reimbursement is $20/hour, with a two-hour minimum for housekeeping and other in-home work, and a one-hour minimum for snow shovelling or yard work. Clients pay the Brokered Worker directly.
Interested in becoming a Brokered Worker? Connect with Megan for more information. 403-343-6074 – [email protected]
Community News
Volunteer Drivers Needed
Do you have your own vehicle, a clean driving record, a clear vulnerable sector check, and a flexible schedule? Are you looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity that allows you to spend time with older adults while supporting their health and well-being?
The Golden Circle provides supportive transportation to adults aged 50+ in Red Deer, Red Deer County, and surrounding rural areas who have no other means of transportation. Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles to assist clients with medical appointments, escorted grocery shopping, and attendance at Golden Circle programs to help reduce social isolation.
Supportive transportation is available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To register, individuals must first be assessed by an Outreach Coordinator.
If you’re interested in becoming a Volunteer Driver, please contact Sandy for more information.
403-343-6074- [email protected]
Cranberry-Cashew Energy Cups
1⅔ c rolled oats; ¾ c unsalted cashew butter; ½ c unsweetened almond milk; ½ c 50% dried cranberries, chopped. 2 tbsp chia seeds; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp salt; ½ c dark chocolate chips; 1 tbsp coconut oil. Combine ingredients (leave chocolate & coconut oil aside). Divide mixture among prepared muffin cups (about 1½ tablespoons each); firmly press the mixture into the cup bottoms. Melt chocolate & coconut oil together until smooth and spoon mixture over the oat mixture in each cup. Refrigerate, uncovered, until chilled.
Count Your Blessings
December is a perfect time to give thanks for our many blessings. We are passionate about sharing health and wellness information. We continue to publish our Choices for Healthy Living ® newsletters, including two SeniorsNews editions in Victoria and three WellnessNews editions on the central island. In addition to local newsletters, we offer the Wellness.News, our online resource, Wellness Expos and more. We thank our advertisers, readers, subscribers, distributors and community partners for helping us to spread the wellness message. We wish everyone Peace, Happiness and Good Health this Holiday Season.
The Brightest Gift This Winter
Rainy days and long nights can make winter feel lonely, especially for seniors. Connection is the greatest gift. A phone call, a visit, a shared story — these moments light up the season. At Everkind Home Support, we offer more than care: we bring warmth, dignity, and joy. From personal care to cozy drives to see the festive lights, we help seniors get out of the house while staying dry and comfortable. This Christmas and New Year, let’s remind our elders they’re never alone — because kindness, like family, makes all the difference.
Make Your Home Shine for the Holidays
The holiday season is a time for warmth, gatherings, and good cheer – it can also bring extra bustle! Before guests arrive, a little pre-holiday spruce-up can make your home sparkle. Focus on high-traffic areas like kitchens and entryways, polish those windows to let in the winter light, and don’t forget guest rooms for overnight visitors. Whether it’s a quick refresh or a full deep clean, a tidy home helps you relax and enjoy the season. TCB Cleaning Services can take care of the details so you can spend more time celebrating with the people you love.
Experiencing Grief or Loss?
Join our monthly Grief and Loss Group, led by a trained facilitator, held once a month on the third Thursday from 1:00–3:00 pm. Everyone’s journey is unique, and you’re welcome to join us no matter where you are personally in dealing with grief and loss. For more information and to view session dates please visit ssnvi.ca/events/. Pre-registration is required, please contact us at [email protected] or call 250-871-5940.
All About Poinsettias
The popular Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a welcome addition to our homes during the dark days of December. Local greenhouses start producing these plants in September where they are carefully regulated for specific lengths of darkness each day, temperature control, amount of water, and fertilizer to produce the lush plants we find in our stores.
Poinsettias originated in Mexico where they grow wild, often in ditches by the roadside. In the 1820’s, John Roberts Poinsett, who was a botanist and the first U.S. minister to Mexico, brought it back to North America where it rapidly gained popularity as a holiday decoration.
Because it needs high temperatures outdoors, we keep them indoors in the winter. They are very sensitive to cold, and since they grow locally in very controlled environments, when you buy a plant it’s important to shelter it on the trip from the store to your home. Cover it in a paper bag, with crumpled newspaper all around to protect it from our cold weather.
They are available in a wide variety of colours but the most common are red, pink, and white. The vivid blues and purples are actually dyed but certainly give our homes a dramatic effect.
If you want to grow them in your summer garden, when the leaves fall off during late winter, cut the stems back to 2 buds and reduce watering to a minimum. Store them in a cool place and plant in your garden after the last frost of Spring.
To assure the best-looking December indoor plants, keep them in a sunny area, water moderately without letting them sit in water, and mist them occasionally. The milky sap in their stems can be irritating to our skin, so they should be handled with care. Enjoy your plants and best wishes for a happy holiday season.
December Events for Seniors at RDPL
Travel Memories: Prague, Budapest, and Vienna (Dec. 3)
First Thursday Concert Series (Dec. 4)
Red Deer Cancer Connect (Dec. 2 & 16) Jane Austen Birthday Celebration (Dec. 16) Readers’ Theatre (Dec. 18)
Sip n’ Stitch (Dec. 18)
Затишні Вечори: Cozy Evenings for Ukrainian Seniors (Dec. 18)
Roots and Branches: Genealogy at the Library (Dec. 27)
Book Clubs (various dates/times)
For full details, visit rdpl.org/events
Caregiver Support Groups
SSNVI hosts a monthly opportunity for caregivers to meet in a friendly, supportive environment where they can interact with, receive, and give support to other caregivers. Currently, these groups are held in Comox. Groups are held on the first Tuesday, and second Thursday of each month from 1-3, and the last Wednesday of each month from 10:30 – 12:30. If you are interested or want to learn more about our Caregiver Support groups please contact the office by email [email protected] or by phone at 250-871-5940.
NavCARE Dementia Navigator
Become a trained community member who builds trust and provides support to people living with dementia and their families. You Will:
• Build trust with people living with dementia
• Listen with compassion to understand needs
• Connect them to resources and social activities
• Support decision-making and independence
• Help reduce loneliness and isolation
Comprehensive Training: Online modules (4-6 hours), periodic training and peer meetups
Flexible Schedule: 1.5-2 hrs. every 2-3 weeks
Ready to Get Involved? Call Us: 604-531-9400 ext. 203 or Email Us: [email protected]
