Fonds - St. Albert International Year of Older Persons Committee fonds

In its Proclamation on Aging, the United Nations General Assembly decided to declare 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons. Individual communities in Canada celebrated this year in whatever ways they saw fit. In St. Albert, a grassroots committee first met in October 1998 to plan events and activities through 1999. Fran Preston served as the Chair. The St. Albert IYOP Committee promoted partnerships with many community groups, schools, clubs, businesses, and churches to raise awareness of seniors' contributions to the community and to their needs. Highlighted events include: Seniors; Bookclub at SAPL; mall walks at Grandin Mall; Towne Tour and Trade Show; afternoon teas; IYOP Business Recognition Awards; Steady As You Go (SAYGO) workshops; Family Fest celebrations.

The St. Albert IYOP Committee also created a lasting legacy in the development of the ACT (Associated Canadian Travelers) Celebration Garden. Profiles Visual Arts Society partnered with the St. Albert IYOP Committee to create a garden in the Red Willow Park System west of Chateau Mission Court adjacent to the walking trail along the north bank of the Sturgeon River. The Celebration Garden features a fountain with a sculpture titled Butterfly Sails, by Karen Ho Fatt.