The Padmore SDA Church’s Senior Citizens Appreciation Day, held on Sunday, September 22, 2024, was a resounding success. Senior members of the church and the wider community were celebrated with a series of thoughtful activities that honoured their contributions and provided a day of pampering and care.
The event, despite overcast skies and the looming threat of rain, went off without a hitch, thanks to the teamwork and dedication of all involved. Volunteers, both young and old, worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail was perfectly organized, with soothing music playing in the background to set a relaxing tone.
Among our distinguished guests were Member of Parliament Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, Pastor Sheldon Schooler, the East Jamaica Conference Community Service Director, and Sister Edna L. Smith, Justice of the Peace.
The entire Community Service Department and the volunteers provided invaluable assistance, especially in coordinating the spa services, where seniors enjoyed massages and pedicures treatments that were both soothing and much appreciated.
The Padmore SDA Health Team played a pivotal role in promoting the well-being of the seniors, conducting blood pressure and blood sugar tests, weight assessments, and more. In addition, they distributed personal care items, including iron tablets, alcohol, and other essentials to help the seniors maintain their health.
In addition to feting the seniors the Community Service Department also distributed care packages that not only contained practical items like canned food, face masks, crackers, and peanuts, but also thoughtful additions like puzzles, which were included to offer seniors entertainment when they are alone. We were also privileged to have donations from major manufacturer Benjamin’s, including alcohol, magnesium, and vanilla, which further enriched the care packages, ensuring that seniors were well-supported both in terms of health and comfort.
As a gesture of appreciation, plaques were awarded to long-standing members of the church, bringing smiles to the faces of all the honourees. The day culminated in a delicious lunch prepared by Sister Zona McKenzie, with notable help from members of the community service team. Their hard work made the meal a fitting conclusion to the day's celebrations. Visitors from sister churches also joined in the event, adding to the sense of fellowship and community.
In closing, we give thanks to God for blessing us with another successful Senior Citizens Appreciation Day. We extend our deepest gratitude to Sister Zona McKenzie, Brother Leonard Francis, who ensured all necessary items were procured, the Community Service team, the Health Team, and the many volunteers who assisted with spa treatments and visitors who contributed to making this day possible. Special thanks to everyone who worked tirelessly to ensure the event was a success.
With God’s guidance and the continued support of our community, we look forward to many more celebrations of our seniors in the years to come.