It was a beautiful autumn day. The sun was shining brightly. The fall was at its peak with the treetops glorious in yellow, orange and green. The temperature went up to 23 degrees C. It must have been the Indian summer day of the year.
The bus with forty one passengers, mostly Filipinos with a sprinkling of other nationalities glided easily along Highway 400, that morning. It was a pleasure tour and cruise, organized by the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians. The group was made up of mostly seniors with a few younger ones – children and friends of the older generation. The destination? Midland, that historical and religious pilgrimage town, just two hours drive from Toronto.
It was a very pleasant trip with the camaraderie of close friends, the meeting of new ones, the joy of seeing again acquaintances that one met a long while ago, reminiscences of funny incidents, sadness in knowing that a member or a family of a member had passed away. It was a time to update on news about fellow Filipinos, local or from the Philippines. It was also time to review the physical changes that age brings in friends that one has not seen for a few years.
For a few who did not have much to share, the scenery offered a diversion. The changing colours and the vast greenery of the land were soothing to the eye and to the soul.
Hot coffee was served during the trip. Those managing the affair walked solicitously around to offer any needed assistance.
It was about eleven in the morning when the bus reached its first stop; the Martyrs’ Shrine. A festive lunch was served in one of the pavilions in the Shrine’s grounds. Then off again to the bus that took the group to the church for the twelve o’clock mass.
At one o’clock, the group was in midtown Midland. The cruise was to leave at 2:00 pm and the organizers were very emphatic about stressing the time schedule. There was less than an hour for the walking tour of the town to see the thirty four giant murals.
Downtown Midland is known as Ontario’s premier mural community. These large paintings are found on the walls of the buildings along the streets and lane ways of the town. Each mural represents a moment in the history of this part of Ontario. A whole day is not enough to view these works of art. Some members of the group decided to come back another time to have another chance to enjoy these murals.
The cruise of Southern Georgian Bay took two and one half hours. It was such a blissful time with the serene, glorious surroundings, calm water and birds flying around. A tour guide narrated the historical significance of the islands including the myths that explain their origins.
Tired but happy and contented, the group boarded the bus for the trip home. The drive back was quiet. Most of the members of the group fell asleep. The sun had set when the bus got back to its point of origin.
Indeed, it was such a nice day. Everything went as planned. But let us not take this event for granted. Each minute detail of that trip was thought of, prepared and executed. The coordination of those who managed the trip was indeed worth the high appreciation of all of those who participated in the trip.
The follow up of those who came was an arduous task. Calling and verifying each member who promised to come required patience and diligence. The responsibility of getting enough people to fill a bus fell on these volunteers. At the end, three participants were not able to come. Thank God that the number of those who came was enough for the minimum to shoulder the cost of the trip.
The very healthful lunch was also prepared by the members of the group that managed the trip. The trip started at nine in the morning and the volunteers were there ready with the hot grilled chicken, hot coffee, green salads, big buns, cut fruits and bags of apples and bananas. One can just imagine what time these volunteers started that morning to prepare all that food.
The constant checking to be sure all participants were in the bus before leaving for another stop-over was a task that need a systematic and consistent effort. This chore was carried out efficiently.
Those who managed the project were seniors themselves who had performed leadership roles in their respective careers. Now, in retirement, they continue to practice the skills they made use of in their jobs, this time without any pecuniary remuneration, just the appreciation from those they serve.
This project is just one of the events carried out for seniors by the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians. The seniors’ group meet every Thursday at their centre wherein various activities are undertaken. They have line dancing classes, wellness and fitness sessions wherein experts give talks on common ailments of those aging, celebrations of birthdays, discussions on local issues, information giving on various topics and helping one another whenever there is a need. Transportation is also provided by those who can drive to those who don’t.
These activities are made possible because of the willingness of those who are capable to provide leadership in their own lines of expertise. The generosity of these people who are also seniors to give their time, ideas, energy, skills and other capabilities to assist those who are in need, deserves to be recognized.
The number of seniors in Canada is increasing every year, faster than the birth rate, The health care system for the aged is a constant burden on the government in all levels These volunteers, the younger seniors, together with those in their fifties and early sixties who undertake activities to keep the older seniors fit and capable in participating in activities that give them a bright outlook in life deserve not only appreciation but also the support of the community in general, both government and non government entities, These group activities keep the aging population active and away from nursing homes
It is common knowledge that many Filipino seniors are afraid of a future in a foreign land wherein the younger generation often does not revere or care for the aged. But we now find many of these seniors living on their own, happy and financially secure and getting their socialization from community organizations like the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians. There are other multicultural organizations giving the same services. We salute all of them.
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