Program helps low income seniors have fun

In honour of National Seniors Day on October 1, the Vernon Seniors Action Network has launched a new initiative giving seniors the opportunity to take in recreation, arts and culture events at a free or reduced cost.

Several agencies are involved in the newly created Greater Vernon Multi- Agency Pass for Seniors or GV-MAPs.

The pass is valid from October 2019 to Sept. 2020 and those interested can pick up their free passes at the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives. Seniors must live in the Greater Vernon area and meet federal low-income standards of $18,000 for a single senior or $24,000 for a couple.

“Our hope is that local seniors who may struggle to enjoy cultural or recreational opportunities will take advantage of the GV-MAPS benefits to participate in activities that interest them,” Dr. Rick Sherwin, a VSAN member and Vernon physician with a special interest in senior’s health and wellness said. “All seniors deserve the chance to be active and engaged in their community. We hope that the GV-MAPS pass will help this particular group of seniors do just that.”