The Communic-Action project marked its 30th anniversary with pizazz in Ormstown on September 30.
The organization, which promotes the well-being of seniors experiencing a loss of autonomy while living at home, was founded in September 1996 by members of the churches in Huntingdon.
“The community noticed that many adults were living alone and in a rural area. They decided to do something,” said director Lynn McWhinnie.
In its first years, Communic-Action had one employee, 15 beneficiaries, eight volunteers, and an annual budget of $15,816. The organization has grown to include 116 members with an annual budget exceeding $214,000.
The celebration event, which took place on the eve of National Seniors Day, was attended by several guests, including Vallée-du-Haut-Saint-Laurent MP Claude DeBellefeuille, Ormstown mayor Philippe Besombes, Sainte-Barbe mayor Daniel Pinsonneault, CDC du Haut-Saint-Laurent director Marie Rachel Charlebois, Anyze Goyette of Santé-Québec Montérégie-Ouest, and Isabelle Woods of SABEC. Also present was Françoise Mainville, the organization’s first director, who retired in 2020 but continues to volunteer, as well as Rolande Quesnel, who celebrated her 100th birthday on October 4.
“Thirty years is a beautiful achievement,” said Besombes. “It’s a story of service, a story of care, and it’s a story of community,” he added, noting the organization helps seniors to remain connected while they stay in their homes.
DeBellefeuille also addressed the crowd, pointing out the significance of the organization and its dedicated volunteers. “We need it more than ever because we overcome obstacles the urban world does not have,” she said, while emphasizing challenges related to distance, transportation, and access to services. “Without Communic-Action, there would be many people without access to care,” she concluded, before presenting the organization with a certificate of honour.
The members then enjoyed a delicious anniversary lunch and live concert by the Quatuor du Sax du Suroît.