A local branch of a national group promoting age-friendly policies is holding its first annual general meeting this month.
The group, called CARP - A New Vision of Aging for Canada, is holding a meeting for the local branch Thursday, May 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Coquitlam branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, 1025 Ridgeway Ave.
The speaker will be Monika Deol, a television personality and national CARP advisory board director, who will talk about CARP's advocacy activities, including a campaign for pension reform.
In addition, members will be asked to adopt local bylaws and elect directors, and will have a chance to win door prizes and enjoy light refreshments.
Interim chair Bruce Bird said the group plans to promote programs and policies that don't discriminate against age, encourage people of all ages to mix together and make life easier for everyone, including seniors.
CARP has eliminated its own age requirement and anyone can join. Bird believes the group will appeal to those who believe governments should be more responsive to seniors concerns.
It welcomes new members from Anmore, Belcarra, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.
CARP is active in pension reform, tax reform and pharmacare reform; members get access to discounts, website and a magazine called Zoomer, published by media mogul Moses Znaimer, executive director of CARP. Znaimer, founder of CityTV in Toronto, who went on to produce television and radio programs, has now dedicated his life to issues faced by older people.
He started ZoomerMedia and a social-networking group for older people. According to Znaimer, Zoomers are baby boomers who still look forward to life and remain open to new ideas.
The meeting is free to attend. For information, contact Bruce Bird at [email protected] or 778-284-1189, or visit carp.ca/northfraser.
