And some numbers to prove it…
This year’s Elders Gathering, held in Tsawout Territory on Vancouver Island, was a massive success and brought together Elders, young people from Community and health care workers from across the province. As the official health and wellness partner to the event, FNHA was kept very busy–not that it felt like a tough gig though! As External Wellness Initiatives Team Lead Danielle Searancke can attest, working the Gathering was an absolute pleasure!
“I feel so fortunate that the FNHA has opportunities for us to be out in community with those that we serve. It allows for such a rich and rewarding experience and reminds of us of why we are here, and why we do what we do,” said Danielle. “I regained a whole new level of passion for my work and valued the experience beyond my initial expectations. I would go back again tomorrow if I could! #takemeback”
She also noted the success of FNHA’s ‘20-Yr-Old Self Photo Booth.’ The project, which asked Elders “What wellness advice would you give your 20-yr-old self,” really struck a chord with attendees, providing healing, as well as a direct link to the young people at the Gathering.
“I saw through the ‘20-Yr-Old Self’ project a sense of healing for our Elders; it really made the purpose of the project powerful. I am proud of the work our FNHA team accomplished with this important gathering.” (You can check out some photo booth images above!)
And now for some facts!
39th Annual BC Elders Gathering: The Essential Stats
Number of attendees: 5000+
Number of Elders who attended: approx. 3000
Number of FNHA/FNHA Board/FNHC family members who participated: 49
Number of ‘You Are One Hot Elder’ fans given out: 4000 (that’s a lot of hot Elders!)
Number of FNHA-organized workshops: 5
Number of full health screenings performed: 286
Number of quick blood pressure/sugar screening performed: 20
Number of kidney health screenings performed : 112 (in one day!)
Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success!
Watch the Elders Gathering livestream videos here:
Day 1: https://youtu.be/DkjzKO0Cs5s
Day 2: https://youtu.be/pGhkAQd0hPE
Day 3: https://youtu.be/tHYORRhBYGA