Back by popular demand, Volunteer Airdrie and Airdrie Meals on Wheels will be hosting their People with Disabilities and Seniors Festival on May 13 at the Town and Country Centre.
This is only the second time the festival has been held in Airdrie, with the first being held pre-COVID in 2019.
“We’re really excited about putting this event on,” said David Maffitt, chair of the Volunteer Airdrie Society. “There is no doubt about it. People have been asking about (the return) of this event for quite some time. We have a number of great exhibitors, non-profits and service providers that are going to be there.”
The purpose of the festival, Maffitt said, is to celebrate inclusion, pay homage to the valuable volunteer work local seniors do in the community for many local organizations, and to have a good time.
“It’s amazing,” Maffitt stated. “Seniors in our community play a vital role in volunteerism because of their availability. It’s the retired population who are able to support non-profit groups throughout the normal business day.”
Maffitt said it was important to properly express the community’s appreciation and celebrate the role both seniors and the differentially abled play in creating a vital and strong Airdrie.
“We want to celebrate the contributions of seniors and the disabled in our community, past, present and future,” he said. “And really build awareness of that part of our population in terms of acceptance and diversity.”
Those wishing to attend the event as guests are asked to pre-register at eventbright.ca or call Volunteer Airdrie at 403-993-5034 to reserve tickets, as seating is limited.
The festival is free for all registered guests and will include a free luncheon, gift bags with products provided from local businesses, and a slate of free entertainment.
Doors open at Airdrie Town and Country Centre at 11 a.m. with the luncheon starting at 12 p.m. Free entertainment will be provided throughout the afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m.
