3. I first found out about the multicultural seniors group activities when someone gave me its flyer. I then called its Coordinator, Safia Nawaz, and came to observe its activities. It was mainly to learn English, chat and pass the time. I started to attend the Wednesday activities where people from diverse multicultural backgrounds got together and participate in different recreational activities. Since I was recently widowed and recovering from a slight stroke, it was a chance for me to make friends and occupy my time. Participating in various activities with other group members lifts up my spirits and makes me happy. VERENE’s Reflection About Program

4. Outings to various places have helped me to learn new things. Since outings are arranged in collaboration with other community organizations, it also gives me a chance to meet new friends. As a result of one such outing, I struck up good friendship with Satwant and her husband Saggu. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that our backgrounds were similar and that gave us the opportunity to pass innumerable hours talking of our cherished past.

5. Cooking sessions are great ice breakers. Experimenting with cooking multiethnic dishes are great fun and resulted in my striking up friendship with other group members.

6. Dancing helps me to maintain health as well as enable me to know about other people’s culture. Even if someone is feeling under the weather, the laughs we have trying out different steps helps in lifting up our spirits and we all go home happy!

7. Chair exercise helps me to keep all my organs functioning . Before joining the group, the only exercise I did was walk but now, I am encouraged to exercise with others which help to keep me active.

8. “ Participating in seniors group activities lifts up my spirits and makes me happy” – Verene Blenman

9. My involvement in the group has helped me to deal with my boredom and given me something to look forward to in life . Recently, my doctor commented that I was doing better than she expected and that was mainly due to my coming to OCISO and being part of the group. Safia and Basia have been understanding and accept the fact that we all have distinctive characteristics and encourage us to share our views in a mutually respectful way.

10. SAGGU I found new companions and friends. There’s exercise, yoga and activities for health, and cooking classes, which are very good for enjoying different types of food. All activities help me to meet different people.

11. Safia also tried to help me with computers, by finding me a tutor.

13. Healthy Kitchen

14. Christmas Celebration 2009

15. Christmas Celebration 2009 Singing Christmas Carol

16. Alzheimer Presentation

17. Alzheimer Presentation

18. Indoor Games

19. Chow Qigong Exercise

20. Chow Qigong Exercise

21. Dance Classes

22. Dance Classes

23. Dance Classes

24. Dance Classes

25. Hussain Mir’s reflection about the Seniors’ Program

26. Social Gathering in Bayshore

27. Social Gathering in Bayshore

28. Multicultural Senior’s Talent Show Paintings by Urmila and Malbo Nimila Gautima

29. Potluck Lunch

30. Potluck Lunch

31. Painting Class

32. Painting Classs

33. Painting Classes

34. Visit : Museum Of Civilization

35. Visit : Museum Of Civilization Once Upon a Time We Were Camel Riders

36. Visit : Museum Of Civilization

37. Visit : Art Gallery (Art Exhibition)

38. Visit : Art Gallery (Art Exhibition)

39. Field Trip: Perth (Painting workshop) Supporting Each Other)

40. Field Trip: Perth (Painting workshop)

41. Field Trip: Perth (Painting workshop)

42. Field Trip: Perth (Painting workshop)

43. Field Trip: Perth (Painting workshop)

44. Excursion : Saunders Farm

45. Excursion : Saunders Farm

46. Excursion : Saunders Farm

47. Excursion : Saunders Farm

48. Volunteers Bushra and Josephine

49. Volunteers Odile

50. Volunteers

51. Volunteers Computer Lessons One to One Class

52. Diwali Celebrations with Punjabi Seniors 2009(Kanata Seniors Centre)

53. Diwali Celebrations with Punjabi Seniors 2009(Kanata Seniors Centre)

54. Diwali Celebrations with Punjabi Seniors 2010(Kanata Seniors Centre)

55. Diwali Celebrations with Punjabi Seniors 2010(Kanata Seniors Centre)

56. Punjabi Seniors – Playing Cards (Kanata Seniors Centre)

57. Punjabi Seniors Laughter Yoga (Kanata Seniors Centre)

58. Punjabi Community Seniors Busy in Clothing Packing for Pakistan Flood Victims 2010

59. Punjabi Community Seniors Busy in Clothing Packing for Pakistan Flood Victims

60. Yoga (Barrhaven Group)

61. Yoga (Barrhaven Group