Dear Editor:
Dear Park Royal:
I’ve been fortunate to work in the field of social service for 30 years and throughout my career I have been humbled, honoured and impressed with those who move through adversity.
My most memorable years have been my work as an advocate for older adults and youth. If I have learned one thing in my 30 years in social services, it is that a sense of purpose is what keeps us alive and gives us reason to wake up in the morning.
Our Canadian government supplies funding to various programs around the North Shore for older adults and youth in order to create for them a sense of engagement in their community. The funding is also provided to programs that are created to enhance cognitive stimulation for older adults. This leads me to the story I read in the North Shore News about Park Royal mall’s choice to abandon chess players who have been meeting for 50 years.
These chess players have a reason to leave their homes to prevent isolation, they play a game that keeps their brains healthy, they have created a family that keeps their heart alive and their quality of life has been increased. I have often watched the chess players of various ages enjoy each other’s company, and gladly smile to myself at these very resourceful and resilient individuals who teach us all a lesson, on human connection.
I can only hope that the older adults and youth in your life do not find themselves isolated at a time in their lives when they need company the most. To take away a vital component such as this is a poor decision on your part.
Sincerely disappointed.
Jemma Templeton, North Vancouver
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