Hello Neighbour

We’d like to meet you!

As part of our 10 Year Anniversary celebrations, SWESA launched the “Hello Neighbour – We’d like to meet you!” project. This project supported social participation and inclusion of all older adults in our community – and promoted volunteerism. Broader engagement will be part of  shaping SWESA for the next 10 years.

The funding came from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, a federal grants and contribution program whose goal is to support projects that help improve the well-being of seniors and foster social inclusion and engagement in their communities.

The grant was used to host a variety of events from June – October to engage older adults 55+ and create a stronger and more connected community of older adults. Some of the events included:

July 20 – Southwest Edmonton Farmer’s Market
SWESA was at the Community Tent at the SouthWest Edmonton Farmers Market (SWEFM) on July 20, 2022. Thanks to all who stopped by to say hello to us. We had perfect weather and appreciated the chance to share some info about upcoming events happening at SWESA.

CLICK HERE to view photos for this event.

July 27 – “Seniors on the Go” Trip to Taste of Edmonton.
On July 27, 2022, a small but engaged group enjoyed a thorough and informative presentation by Edmonton Transit Service and then we all got on a bus to check out Taste of Edmonton. There were lots of great dishes to try, including mango lassi, bannock, cookie dough bites and nalysnyky. Delicious! Our thanks to all who came out!

CLICK HERE to view photos for this event.

August 5 – SWESA Family Summer Party!
Rainy skies begone! Mother Nature cooperated and we had a sunny afternoon on Friday August 5, 2022, when we hosted our SWESA Family Summer Party. Guests enjoyed some fantastic food from CANAVUA food truck, another local non-profit tackling food security, and balloons from Still Twisted Balloons & Body Art. There was also a draw prize, coloring and bubbles for kids, information booths and a surprise visit from the local fire department in their fire truck. This family friendly event was a great hit!

CLICK HERE to view photos for this event.

August 9 – NORQUEST College Cultural Exchange
SWESA and Norquest students came together on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, for some excellent conversation and sharing of cultures and stories. ESL (English Second Language) students from Norquest were able to practice their language and presentation skills; sharing their stories and culture with us. Many of those in attendance were inspired and awed by the student’s lives, courage, resilience and positivity. As one attendee said:
I was impressed by their stories of challenges they’ve dealt with before coming to Canada… they are grateful for the opportunity to continue with their education, and are prepared to work hard to complete their adult upgrading and train for the workforce. How fortunate Canada is to have such courageous women among us!

CLICK HERE to view photos for this event.

October 4 Outing – Marking National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
We had a fantastic group of folks join us on October 4, 2022, for the outing to visit and explore two Indigenous cultural landmarks in amiskwaciy-wâskahikan (Beaver Hills House), aka Edmonton. Stops included: The Indigenous Art Park at ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11 A and Tawatinâ foot bridge. The outing featured some beautiful art installations and a walk across the new foot bridge that features over 500 art panels. The weather was perfect, and the group really enjoyed themselves.

CLICK HERE to view the photos for this event.

October 1 – SAGE Seniors Association “Seniors Saturday” at SWESA
On Saturday, October 1, 2022, SWESA hosted one of SAGE Seniors Association’s “Seniors Saturday” presentations at Blue Quill Community Centre (BQCC). Our workshop focused on the subject: “What is Elder Abuse: What you should know and how you can helpful”. It was a great group that attended and SWESA is proud to have been able to partner with SAGE on this event to mark International Day of Older Persons.

CLICK HERE to view the photos for this event.

October 11 – SWESA Wellness Fair at Yellowbird East Community Centre
On Tuesday, October 11, 2022, SWESA hosted our Wellness Fair at the Yellowbird East Community League from 10-3. It was an amazing day with approximately 160 people in attendance, including over 20 vendors who offered information on resources and services for older adults, including: housing, caregiving, home care, nutrition, health and wellness, finances, advanced estate planning and other community supports and services. SWESA also hosted three information sessions on housing options, advanced estate planning and charitable giving. There were wonderful door prizes and the food provided was a great hit. One of the favorite parts of the day was seeing so many people reconnecting with each other and with community. There was lots of lively conversation and laughter heard and many smiles seen throughout the day. We are thankful to funders, sponsors, vendors, presenters and our amazing volunteers who ensured the Wellness Fair was a fantastic success!

CLICK HERE to see the list of vendors who attended the Wellness Fair
CLICK HERE to view the photos for this event.

October 25 – “Let’s Talk About Ageism” Workshop
One of the critical issues facing older adults relates to age discrimination. SWESA held a workshop on October 25, 2022, with Age Friendly Edmonton volunteers as they facilitated a conversation about Ageism. We had a great group come out and join us. The conversation included talking about the myths and stereotypes related with ageing, sharing experiences of ageism, ways to address it when it happens. While there is still a lot of work to do to combat ageism, attendees were encouraged to embrace the privilege of aging and continue to advocate to greater society that older adults should be celebrated for all they have and continue to contribute.

CLICK HERE to view the photos for this event.

November 9, 2022 – Project Wrap-Up
On Wednesday November 9, 2022, our project coordinator Jessica Kinsella completed her work for SWESA’s Hello Neighbour 2022 project. Jessica met with the Hello Neighbour 2022 project team and other volunteers and staff for a final review of the project’s accomplishments. We wish Jessica every success in her future endeavours. Jessica plans to continue her work on SWESA’s Facebook page as a volunteer.

CLICK HERE to view our photo gallery of our project wrap-up meeting on November 9, 2022.

CLICK HERE to view our slideshow of the project’s events. This slideshow can also be viewed in the photo gallery.

CLICK HERE to view the project report with information on all of our events.

CLICK HERE to view a list (PDF file) of resources for older adults in Edmonton. This list was developed as part of this project.


New Horizons Grant