Bright Moments Connect Our Elders –

HSCPC staff member Vanika joins Bright Moments seniors painting flower pots

Hastings Sunrise has more than its share of seniors – and they have a new opportunity to meet, learn and socialize.

According to the 2016 Census, 17.5 per cent of our community are seniors aged 65 and up, compared with a city-wide average of 15.5 per cent.

The new program is Bright Moments, a friendly and informative seniors outreach program offered by the Hastings branch, Vancouver Public Library, in partnership with the Hastings Sunrise Community Policing Centre (HSCPC). Bright Moments events are held monthly alternating between the HSCPC boardroom and the Hastings Library community room.

Julia McKnight, branch head at the Hastings library, says it offers seniors greater learning experiences by connecting them to specific library programs and supporting their need for information about health, digital literacy, safety and cyber (internet) security. The March 8 event at the library featured dialogue on pedestrian safety by Vancouver Police Constable Holly Christie, a former neighbourhood police officer. The group of about 20 seniors socialized over light food, tea and coffee.

To recognize International Women’s Day, five-year volunteer Lily made colourful flowered bookmarks for all. Lily is an excellent greeter as well – always near the entrance, ready to greet and welcome.

Bright Moments is new (since December 2024) and “has not been advertised much,” commented Clair MacGougan, executive director at HSCPC. “It’s been mainly word of mouth.”

HSCPC Program co-leads Vanika and Carmen tell me that “the goal is to enhance our relationship with seniors in the community, to build a rapport with them so that they feel more comfortable calling us.

“We know a lot of seniors feel hesitant in calling the police. We want them to know who we are and what we do, so that they can understand we are able to help them and provide them with the right resources.

“In addition, we want to create a safe and inclusive environment for our seniors to socialize in because we know living alone can be isolating and challenging at times. We want them to feel like they belong to this community.”

For Bright Moments event information or registration, call the HSCPC at 604-717-3584. Location alternates between the library at 2674 East Hastings and the CPC at 2620 East Hastings.

Volunteers assist with Chinese translations, bringing food and drinks to tables and help wherever they can.

We would like to thank the Vancouver Police Foundation for their support of the program!