It is well-known that seniors living alone are more likely to experience social isolation, depression, and anxiety. Resolving this issue was the inspiration for a group of senior women from the Tofield region to form the Happy Wanderers.
As noted in their grant application, the Happy Wanderers create opportunities for senior women to come together and experience different activities, including plays, dinner theatres, shopping trips, and more. These events are often the only time they can interact with long-time friends and neighbours. As Marion Regehr noted in the grant application, “Listening to the camaraderie makes our efforts all worthwhile and a success.”
The founding committee works hard to find fun and affordable events. Unfortunately, transportation in rural Alberta is a challenge and is the biggest expense, costing between $500 to $800 per event. With the group’s focus on keeping things affordable for seniors on limited incomes, transportation costs can often be the determining factor of whether or not they can plan an outing.
Claystone Waste was pleased to offer $1000 as part of the Community Grant Program towards the cost of transportation. These funds were used for two events: a shopping trip at the outlet mall and for a dinner and show in February 2025.
All of us at Claystone want to express our sincere appreciation to the Happy Wanderers for their continued efforts to keep senior women in the region on the move and thank you for providing us the opportunity to contribute to such a worthy cause!
