Seniors cruise thrives with community support

Steeves & Rozema residents and staff anticipate annual event
7/24/2015  - Lisa Bailey
Residents from Twin Lakes Terrace join many others on the annual seniors cruise in Sarnia.  

It’s a chance for Sarnia residents to see their city from the water. 

It’s why the Sarnia Seniors Cruise was created 37 years ago. Today, it’s anchored entirely by community goodwill and a summer highlight for many people, including Steeves & Rozema residents and staff members.

“As much work as it is, we’re very happy to be a part of it,” says Tania Bergen, sales and marketing director with Steeves & Rozema Seniors Living. 

“Seniors come to live with us, and we want to see them enjoying themselves (and their community).”

Bergen and Caryn Taylor, Steeves & Rozema administrative assistant, are part of the small committee that organizes the free cruise. Months of planning begin at the start of the year with letters seeking donations. 

And the community comes through, keeping alive a free event that was begun by a local radio personality who brought on board a local charitable organization that supports people who have a disability.

Among key supporters are businesses in the community, including the Duc D’Orleans II cruise boat which donates all of the gasoline for the day. Crew members volunteer their time.

Steeves & Rozema, also a steadfast supporter for years, offers all of the food for the free barbecue that happens dockside on cruise day, which was June 29 this year.

Landmark Village prepares the barbecue fare, with staff members volunteering at the event. “They do a great job every year,” Bergen says.

Other Steeves & Rozema residences also contribute food, including homemade treats, and staff member come to help out.

Merchants in the area supply coffee and food items as well as help with washing stations and other needs.

In addition to the business community’s continued support, volunteers are integral to making the cruise possible. A number of them return every year – it’s something they look forward to as well, Bergen says, adding Steeves & Rozema volunteers get to meet and have some fun while supporting community connectedness.

This year, a total of six cruises carried about 2,000 people up and down the St. Clair River. Many residents from Steeves & Rozema’s long-term care and retirement communities took the cruise, which was full by 10:30 a.m.

Many local seniors look forward to it, Bergen says, noting for some this is their first and only opportunity to gain a riverside perspective of their community.

“It’s a busy day and it goes by so quickly but it’s just a wonderful day,” Bergen says. “We heard wonderful comments; everyone enjoyed themselves. The seniors were smiling.”

If you have a story to share or feedback on this article, please contact the newsroom at 800-294-0051, ext. 25, or e-mail lisa(at)axiomnews.com.

   
 

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