North Van Cyber Seniors use new technology to make connections
Last week, residents of North Vancouver’s Kiwanis Care Centre celebrated the “premiere” showing of a new Youtube video that documents their use of new technology as part of a fantastic Cyber Seniors community program. The program is an innovative partnership between KCC staff and residents, Best Buy and student volunteers from nearby Windsor Secondary School and is featured in the “Best Buy Canada and Cyber-Seniors Team up to Connect Generations” video.
The students provide residents with the know-how on using the technology that includes portable tablets, streaming video cameras and a variety of other devices that most of the younger adults use on a daily basis. Best Buy provided the technology as well as a small group of supportive staff to help nurture the program and commissioned the video that highlights some of the magical moments that have occurred over the last year or so. One of the most touching moments included a KCC resident being able to see his sister on a computer screen after the two of them hadn’t seen each other for more than 20 years.
“This program has been a fabulous group effort that has made such a difference to the lives of our residents in a number of ways,” says KCC Manager Jane Webley. “The enthusiasm and patience of our Windsor students, combined with the supportiveness of the Best Buy staff and the commitment of our staff here at KCC has really produced some amazing results.”
The showing of the video last Friday was accompanied by a red carpet walkway and brief “Oscar” presentations to the various KCC residents. Coordinated by Recreational Therapist Kelly Foston and the rest of the KCC staff, the event was both a celebration of what’s been accomplished so far as well as a commitment to continue forward. More than 40 Windsor students have signed up to assist with the Cyber Seniors program this coming year.
A small group of the Windsor Secondary School students that make up the Cyber Seniors club were on hand to celebrate with KCC residents.
Best Buy Canada’s team of supportive staff were also decked out in true “Oscars” style as the video was debuted to KCC staff and residents.
