Are you a senior with a desire to help others? Would you like to develop ideas that could help other seniors stay in their homes and communities? Do you have a passion for people? Do you have three to ten hours a month to share with other like-minded seniors?
Bowmont Seniors Assistance Association (BSAA) is seeking new board members. The group has a 45-year history of volunteering in the Bowness, Montgomery and Greenwood Village areas of Northwest Calgary. As some of our board members are retiring, we would value your time, knowledge and enthusiasm. Your passion for people and lending a helping hand would be welcome.
We have a strong and formal partnership with carya (formerly Calgary Family Services) and an equally strong but informal partnership with other like-minded community groups in the area.
As a registered non-profit society in Alberta, we hold a casino licence from Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC). These funds sustain operational expenses and help fund a senior’s outreach position in NW Calgary.
In the past five years, we have been busy with some interesting projects:
- We have explored issues about wandering seniors who may get lost or confused. Working with the Calgary police, carya, the Alzheimer Calgary and others, BSAA started the ongoing conversation with research paper which has led to Provincial and National connections for this work.
- Through links with assorted small groups within the community, we have helped organize information sessions on subjects of interest to seniors. Subjects have ranged from safety in the home to preparing wills and addressing how one wishes to be remembered.
- Our board members developed a hearing aid recycling project, working with the Lions Club and a Calgary audiologist. Hearing aids donated by the public are reprogrammed, appropriately sanitized and refitted for seniors who could not otherwise afford them.
- BSAA received a grant from the Rotary Club of Calgary at Stampede Park to buy hiking poles to assist seniors who would like to walk, but need the extra stability allowed by the poles.
- BSAA hosts a regular Tea and Conversation for isolated seniors in our northwest communities of Bowness, Montgomery and Greenwood Village.