GROUP AN ADVOCATE FOR N.B.'S SENIORS

JANE BARRY
COMMUNITY PROFILE
Published Telegraph-Journal, Monday December 3rd, 2007

The New Brunswick Senior Citizen Federation,( NBSCF) is a powerful body and growing in numbers as more and more of our population reaches 50. The group welcomes members in this age demographic and can offer a great deal to New Brunswickers from all walks of life.
The NBSCF, founded in 1968, serves as an advocate for its 21,000 members. The federation's goals are to ensure the well-being and leadership of New Brunswick senior citizens 50 years of age and over, regardless of language, race, colour, sex and creed; to maintain a line of communications with all their members and to establish good relationships with government, corporations and provincial and national organizations.
There are 13 senior senior citizens zones areas in New Brunswick, affiliated with the NBSCF, whose head office is in Moncton. They are Bay of Fundy, Capital, Chaleur, Dairy, Kent, Loyalist, Maple Leaf, Miramichi, Nepisiguit, Nord-Ouest, Péninsule, Saint John River and Sud-Est. Next year will mark the federation's 40th anniversary. Provincewide celebrations are planned in June to mark the occasion when the first group was established in Sussex.
Ralph Smith heads the bilingual, New Brunswick organization of some 205 local clubs. He explains that they represent the wide-ranging interests of seniors. They recognize the fast-growing pace of this population, from about 107,000 seniors in the last census, to a projected 170,000 in 2011. Their input into the provincial long-term care and health strategies has been a priority. He stands behind the group's slogan, "The stronger our membership - The stronger our voice."
Members enjoy special discounts and privileges. In many zones, dedicated members approach businesses to offer discounts or rebates. Through Aviva Traders, the federation offers a group home and auto insurance plan, as well as health, dental and travel insurance. Members of the NBSCF receive the quarterly Horizons newspaper and the Bulletin, communications tools that serve as links between the federation and its members. Membership costs, including federation membership, vary from club to club, and can be as low as about $10. Stand-alone N.B. federation membership costs $20 for an individual and $30 per couple. It entitles the holder to a quarterly newspaper and substantial discounts from many businesses. One Arc-en-Ciel member was delighted with her combined auto and home insurance savings and another received discounts for a new hearing aid.
The Loyalist Zone reaches out to Saint John area seniors' clubs with monthly meetings regarding new benefits, news from the Federation. and activities. Loyalist Zone president Bertha Boyles explains that their spring and fall celebrations, hosted by the City of Saint John, are a highlight. The federation's annual meeting is hosted by a different zone each year.
"Last year," Boyles said, "the Loyalist Zone received a government grant and we took 87 seniors, who do not get out much, on a St. John River cruise, gave them a nice meal and took them back home. They really enjoyed it. We try to encourage our clubs to have fun; they have card games, dances, bingo, potluck or barbecues, and banquet for special occasions."
One of the Loyalist Zone Clubs is le Club Arc-en-Ciel. Elizabeth Godin, the president, and Eddie Gaudet are dedicated members and enthusiastic about the group of 100. It is the only francophone club in southwestern New Brunswick and even has its own band.
"We cater to all seniors," Godin stresses, it doesn't matter about religion, race or colour. The federation is the voice of seniors."
They gather for meetings, social activities and most important, says Gaudet, sharing information about the myriad programs and services available to seniors. Spreading the word to his peers is his primary reason for involvement.
"We have to tell people what's available for seniors," he said. "They don't know what's there."
For information about the New Brunswick Senior Citizens' Federation Inc. or how to join a golden age club in New Brunswick, call 1-800-453-4333 or write the Federation at 36 Albert St., Moncton N.B. E1C 1A9 or visit www.nbscf.ca

Community Profile is a weekly column highlighting community causes and work done by non-profit organizations in the Greater Saint John area. It is contributed by Jane Barry, executive director of The Greater Saint John Community Foundation. Contact the foundation at 506-672-8880. To view other Community Profiles go to www.saint-john-foundation.nb.ca