The first ever seniors expo in Richmond was a resounding success, with more than 800 people attending the one-day CARP event at South Arm United Church.
And it was little wonder with top quality entertainment, from an orchestra and a choir to dancers and a jazz band, as well as a plethora of vendors, seminars, special guests and door prizes.
The inaugural Seniors Health And Resource Expo (SHARE) event — run by the Richmond chapter of seniors group CARP — was such a hit, that the organizing committee are already planning ahead for the 2016 expo, with a promise of it being even bigger and better.
“It took three to four months to plan and prepare; next year, we are going to start earlier,” said CARP Richmond’s communications spokesperson Becky Herrmann.
“We were very happy to get the support of the community, there was an amazing array of services and products, geared specifically to serving the senior population within the geographical area covered by the Richmond/Delta chapter.
“However, beyond the resources presented by the 82 exhibitors, the whole day had activities that could be enjoyed by all.
“The dance groups/live music during the entire event was outstanding, from exquisitely played instrumental jazz to outstanding young teen performers in a youth orchestra.”
Over the day, there were 10 different seminars, covering topics from heart care, brain ‘health’ and overall fitness, to cruising tips and dealing with your final arrangements.
The winner of the event’s grand prize — a Holland America Line cruise on the Noordam liner from Vancouver for three nights along the Pacific northwest — was Richmond couple Sivananda and Rashida Ramasamy.
The Richmond/Delta chapter only started about 21 months ago and now has almost 1,000 members, with many more having signed up at last week’s expo.
The group meets on the first Thursday of every month, with regular speakers and events. Go to www.carp.ca/richmond for more information.
