FROM THE PRESIDENT

Deb Gerow | President , ARTA

But while today ’ s retirees are doing all those things , they are also engaging with important issues . They observe the world around them , identify areas of concern where they can make a difference , and then act to do what they can . ARTA members have spent most of their working lives making a difference for others , and it seems natural to want to continue doing so in retirement . I ’ ve met many retirees who continue to feel the call to help .

One such retired teacher is currently volunteering to teach English to Ukrainian refugees to make their daily lives here in Canada easier . He hopes , when the conflict there is over , to be able to journey to Ukraine to help to rebuild a school .

Other groups of retirees volunteer to help teachers in Belize , parts of Africa , and even right here in Canada . They are sharing their expertise in how to teach literacy or how to better use technology to inform their work . Still others support their local community food banks , assist the Christmas Bureau , or help out at Habitat for Humanity . Some retirees volunteer in schools doing whatever is needed . Some knit toques and scarves that are given out to the homeless for winter warmth . Others help with dinners that caring organizations provide for those in need .

ARTA belongs to groups that very effectively focus attention on seniors ’ concerns . Public Interest Alberta ( PIA ), specifically their Seniors ’ Task Force , is a great advocate concerning issues that affect older adults , especially in the areas of health care and affordable housing in Alberta . We are also members of the Canadian Association of Retired Teachers ( ACER-CART ), which advocates nationally for seniors and for public education .

There are so many ways of being supportive of our communities , whether local , national , or worldwide . Please continue to be aware of the issues facing our society and keep on making a difference in whatever way you are able .

WINTER 2024 | 5