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March 10, 2010

National Seniors Group Forms Local Branch (Barrie, CANADA)

By Chris Simon
10 March 2010

Seniors should know they've got a local branch of a national advocacy group on their side.
The Barrie chapter of CARP, Canada's non-profit advocacy and social watchdog group for people over 45 years of age, was founded last fall. The organization, which already includes about 2,500 Simcoe County residents, has held two meetings, and is beginning to form committees and policies. Although in its infancy, the group is expected to lobby government over crucial issues facing an aging local population, like health care, housing and elder abuse.
"(CARP) used to be just for retired people, but they lowered the age," said CARP Barrie vice-chair Gwen Kavanagh. "They felt there were a lot of people who have aging parents, who have to make difficult decisions while planning for their own futures. I have a lot of senior clients (in my job), and I'm starting to visit them a nursing homes, which depressed me. I was searching for something that would give me a voice and help make a small difference."
CARP advocates for social change that will bring financial security, equitable and timely access to health care, and freedom from discrimination. Members also work to ensure the marketplace serves the needs and expectations of older generations, and provides valueadded benefits, products and services to members. The organization is also advocating for caregiver tax breaks, pension splitting and other issues.
Members also receive discounts on travel insurance, among other benefits, said Kavanagh.
Locally, the organization is also seeking volunteers and board members, she said.
"We're still birthing this. We'd like to get a couple more board members, to round us out," said Kavanagh.
"We'd like a doctor, lawyer or accountant. We really would like to be a dynamic chapter. We're feeling our way; we'd rather take a slow approach and get it right. We'd like it to be representative of the members. We want to find out what they want."
The organization will be developing a newsletter, which could be circulated beginning next month. Members also plan to host eight meetings per year, which could include guest speakers.
"We really need to do a newsletter, because it's the only way we're going to reach all the members," said Kavanagh. "We hope to run a couple of (trade shows) this year, on housing, health or finances."


The organization has about 350,000 members throughout Canada, she said.
For more information, call Kavanagh at 739-1708 or visit www.carp.ca

SOURCE:    The Scope

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