Lt.-Gov. Peter Liba admires the Honourary Life Memberships given to Creative Retirement Manitoba volunteers Margaret Campbell (left) and Elizabeth Nash. photo by Jody Moroz/Winnipeg Free Press For the past 20 years, the people who run the programs offered by Creative Retirement Manitoba, and the people who enjoy them, have led very busy lives.
Creative Retirement Manitoba has a mission of encouraging seniors in the areas of healthy living, personal growth, lifelong learning and providing social interaction for older adults. They offer stimulating educational programs, developed and led by members of a dynamic community of seniors volunteering and sharing their expertise and knowledge. It's a non-stop effort to ensure all retired people have access to life-long learning.
And every now and then, they pause and reflect on their accomplishments. Creative Retirement Manitoba's 20th anniversary, celebrated on June 6, 2001 was one such time. Members gathered at Government House at a reception hosted by Lt.-Gov. Peter Liba, and Her Honour, Shirley Liba.
The lieutenant-governor pointed out that members of Creative Retirement Manitoba are helping to redefine the terms "senior" and "retirement", adding it seems that people who are retired are busier than ever.
He then presented Creative Retirement president Len Bateman with a certificate honouring the 20th anniversary and wishing them 20 more successful years.
Bateman noted that Creative Retirement is largely run by volunteers, who do everything from office work to visiting schools and making sure the educational courses they offer run smoothly.
"Last year, we received over 4,300 registrations (in the courses), which is up from the previous year. We offered 231 different classes last year." said Bate- man. "We're all living longer and enjoy ing it more. And we feel privileged to have a dedicated and talented group of volunteers with us."
Along with the celebration of the 20th anniversary, Creative Retirement Manitoba honoured the accomplishments of long-time volunteers Margaret Campbell and Elizabeth Nash. Both were present ed with Honourary Life Memberships in Creative Retirement Manitoba.
"As this is the International Year of the Volunteer, I would like to congratulate the two special ladies here from Creative Retirement," said Lt.-Gov. Liba. "Volunteerism is one of my things as lieutenant- governor, and I take every opportunity to encourage and applaud volunteerism in Manitoba."
Campbell began her work as a volunteer at Clifton School 20 years ago, soon after her retirement as assistant director of vital statistics for the Province of Manitoba. She visits the school every Thuesday morning to help Grade 5 students with their work in the English curriculum.
"After I retired, a lady on my street gave my name to the school, and they called me to do a little job for them. I have been doing that little job ever since," said Campbell. "Working with kids keeps me younger in thought and mind. I think young. I have seen too many people who just look at four walls every day, and I am so glad to get out and work with the kids."
Campbell has been one of the longest- serving members of Creative Retirement's Students and Seniors Together program in schools.
Nash has been a member of Creative Retirement's popular Eldertales Story telling Group since its inception in 1994, and has told her stories in schools, libraries and other community locations in Winnipeg.
"I can't tell you how much I feel this is a good organization to belong to. We get so much out of Creative Retirement. I feel I don't really deserve this honour, when there are so many others," said Nash. "When it comes to telling stories, some of the other people in Eldertales can make it up as they go along, but I prefer to practise ahead of time."
Nash has also been a dedicated and hardworking participant in the Students and Seniors Together program.
