Arden Seniors “Happy Gang” summer sale

Jul 30, 2014

Laughter and smiles were shared at the Arden Seniors Happy Gang fundraiser, which took place at the Kennebec hall in Arden on July 26. The annual event is the group’s biggest fundraiser of the year and it included a community garage sale, craft and art market, an outdoor barbeque and a silent auction with a wide variety of items donated by members of the seniors group.

Jack Patterson has been the president of the group for the last 11 years and this year the group boasts 75 members. The fundraiser, which on average raises close to $3,000 a year, allows the group to continue to support numerous groups and organizations including the Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Alzheimer's Society, and Leukemia research, as well as Land O'Lakes Public School in Mountain Grove and the Central Frontenac fire station in Kennebec.

The group also supports Northern Frontenac Community Services, the local snowsuit and hamper funds, the local swim program and the local food bank. Any remaining funds are used to put on a special Christmas dinner for the group.

Close to 300 people attended this year’s summer sale, making for another successful year. Patterson said the goal of the group is not only to provide a social venue for the seniors in the area but is also a way for seniors in the community to keep on eye on local happenings and issues that are of concern to them. “We often make special requests to our local council for things that concern us and, as one example, we have been able to acquire air conditioning for the hall here.”

The group meets regularly on the first Tuesday of the month at the Kennebec hall in Arden at 11 a.m. and Patterson encourages anyone over 50 who is interested to come out to sample a meeting. “We have an hour-long business meeting and then we enjoy a nice potluck lunch. It's a lot of fun and you can bet to hear a number of pretty good jokes.” The meetings are a great way for seniors in the community to get together, share a meal and offer support to numerous worthy causes in and around the community.