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]
Community News
Brokered Workers Needed
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]
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
Healthy Holiday Choices
Celebrate the festive season with simple, health-conscious choices that keep the joy alive while supporting your well-being. Replace sugary desserts with wholesome, homemade options such as dried fruit or dark chocolate. Choose whole-grain flours for your baking to add extra fiber and nutrients. Use herbs and spices to flavor dishes instead of heavy, creamy sauces. Opt for lean proteins like turkey, fish, or grilled vegetables for lighter yet satisfying meals. Stay refreshed by choosing water or herbal teas instead of sugary drinks. And don’t forget to add movement to your celebrations! Remember that if you choose to enjoy traditional festive treats – moderation is key!
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.
Holiday Reflections from The Golden Circle
As the holiday season approaches, we are reminded that this time of year means something different to everyone. For many, it’s a season filled with laughter, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. For others, it can be a time of quiet reflection, loneliness, or grief for those no longer with us.
At The Golden Circle, we understand that the holidays can bring both joy and heartache. We want to take this moment to remind everyone that you are not alone. Our community is here to support one another, to share kindness, offer a listening ear, and create a sense of belonging for all.
Whether you are celebrating with family and friends or finding peace in a simpler season, may you feel warmth, comfort, and connection in the days ahead.
Let’s remember to reach out to those who might need an extra bit of care this year, a phone call, a visit, or even a smile can make a difference.
From all of us at The Golden Circle, we wish you peace, love, and compassion this holiday season and throughout the coming year.
Together, we make this season brighter.
Who doesn’t love a little extra cash at Christmas? Don’t forget to get your Christmas Cash Raffle Ticket by calling 403-343-6074 or stopping by 4620 47A Avenue.
Light Therapy for SAD
Light therapy is a common treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that typically occurs during the darker months. It involves sitting near a specialized light box that mimics natural sunlight, usually in the morning for about 20-30 minutes daily. The bright light helps regulate melatonin and serotonin levels, which influence sleep and mood. This treatment can reduce symptoms like fatigue, sadness, and lethargy by resetting the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm. Consistency is key for effectiveness, and many find it boosts their mood, energy, and focus. Light therapy is a convenient, non-invasive option for SAD relief.
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.
Enjoying the Holidays with Hearing Loss
If you have a hearing loss, attending family gatherings with many people can be stressful. Here are three tips to ensure a sound-filled holiday season. 1. Spend time with family members one-on-one. 2. Try to sit next to someone who will be willing to keep you in on the conversation if you miss anything that has been said. 3. Book a check of your hearing aids before the holiday season starts to ensure they are working their best. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the laughter of your kids, grandkids, or family members as they open presents or sit around the table. Happy Holidays!
Financial Fitness
With a reverse mortgage, you can live in the home you love while enjoying a comfortable lifestyle. This option allows you to access your home equity tax-free and use the funds however you wish. You can relieve financial pressure, cover healthcare expenses, or make home renovations. Additionally, it can provide an early inheritance, assist a family member or friend, alleviate debt, buy a vacation property, or fund travel. By preserving investments and increasing cash flow, a reverse mortgage helps you maintain financial stability and freedom in your golden years.
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.
