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Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Another Outstanding Success for the West Island Community!

posted by Community Relations at 12h56

by K. Greenfield, Community Relations Coordinator, Volunteer West Island

Another outstanding success for the West Island community!

Wednesday, Aug. 20th, marked Volunteer West Island’s 8th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, held at the St. Raphael Golf Club in Ile Bizard. Even the weather co-operated! Sunshine, fresh air, fun, prizes galore!

Most impressive of all was the collaboration among sponsors, donors, and many, many volunteers, working together to benefit seniors in the West Island community and make this yearly event a tremendous success.

Montreal Alouettes’ team president and CEO, Larry Smith, officiated as honorary president again this year, helping Volunteer West Island achieve its goal of $50,000!

The West Island is home to more than 26,000 people over the age of 65, and that number is expected to rise to 31,500 by 2010. Volunteer West Island has been assisting the elderly since 1967, helping to reduce isolation and improve quality of life, thus enabling people to remain autonomous and in their own homes for as long as possible.
For those with a loss of autonomy, Volunteer West Island’s Meals on Wheels provides hot and frozen meal programs. VWI volunteers may be the only social contact some meal recipients have for days. The delivery person may also be the first to alert healthc-are workers, should a concern arise regarding a client’s health or well-being.

Autonomous seniors also suffer from isolation. Volunteer West Island offers several well-attended in-house programs aimed at breaking isolation by encouraging seniors to leave their homes and socialize with other members of their community. These volunteer-driven programs include computer and art courses, arts & crafts activities, exercise and Tai Chi classes, as well as the popular Seniors’ Café.

Volunteer West Island wishes to thank the golfers, dinner guests, sponsors and volunteers who, year after year, offer their support and make this event a resounding success. All proceeds of the Volunteer West Island Annual Charity Golf Tournament will go to support the crucial work of this organization and make possible an expansion of these important services, allowing VWI to reach as many people as possible to keep up with the growing demand and help seniors remain connected to their community.

The services provided by Volunteer West Island aid, not only the individuals involved, but also their families, and the community as a whole - a community working together for the benefit of all! IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES!

For more information about programs, services and volunteering opportunities at Volunteer West Island, please consult the VWI website, www.volunteerwestisland.org or call 514 457-5445.