September 19, 2024
AHS volunteer Krystal Davidson serves fairgoers cotton candy the old-fashioned way at a recent carnival for geriatric psychiatry patients in Ponoka. Photo by Carina Moran.
AHS volunteer Leonard Icke brought some furry friends to the carnival, brightening the day for many a fairgoer. Photo by Carina Moran.
Volunteer resources coordinator Carina Moran donned a top hat to welcome fairgoers to the carnival. Photo by Carina Moran.
Story by Jonathan Koch | Photos by Carina Moran
PONOKA — Clowns, carnies and cool treats added to the festive fun at a recent carnival for Geriatric Psychiatry patients here.
Staff and volunteers at the Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury (CCMHBI) treated patients to an old-fashioned carnival with a Coney Island vibe, where fairgoers enjoyed a fun atmosphere with old-time signage and costumes that transported participants back to an earlier time.
Almost 100 patients and family members sauntered down to Hickory Twig Park on a sweltering Aug. 1 afternoon to partake in carnival games such as ring toss, target shooting (with water guns), and magnetic fishing. Attendees also made furry ‘n’ fuzzy friends at a petting zoo, with animals provided by volunteer Leonard Icke.
“I enjoy seeing the smiles on their faces when they cuddle a pet,” says Icke. “I like to think that maybe it brings back happy memories for them in their golden years.”
Participants also sampled cool treats such as popcorn, cotton candy and ice cream from a vintage ice cream cart, all provided by staff and volunteers.
On a day with the mercury pushing 30 degrees C, psychiatric aide Denise Raugust says attendees found many fun ways to beat the heat.
“We had a water fight with the seniors, and it just doesn't get any better,” adds Raugust. “A lady came up to me and gave me a big hug and said, ‘I can't remember the last time I had so much fun’.”
Volunteer Resources coordinator Carina Moran says it was incredible to be outdoors interacting with staff and patients.
“I think everybody really enjoyed it, it was so fun,” says Moran. “It’s wonderful that everybody could laugh and just have this joyful experience together.”
Moran says about a dozen people from the community helped run the carnival, including eight teen volunteers from the Generations program, which provides opportunities for seniors and youth in the community to interact and share experiences.
Grade 12 student Charliss Santos, a Generations program member, helped out.
“I saw a lot of smiles, a lot of laughter, even with the staff, everybody was really happy to be there,” says Santos. “The seniors don't really get to experience this a lot, so it was just a really happy atmosphere.”
Santos hopes to one day be a psychiatric nurse in Ponoka and encourages others to volunteer and to learn what the Centennial Centre is all about.
“I think it's a good learning experience if you want to go into healthcare. And even if you don't it's a great opportunity to be involved.”
Al, a geriatric psychiatry patient, gave the carnival a glowing review.
“I found the outing was fantastic, and the cotton candy and ice cream were awesome. Kudos to the staff for going the extra mile and giving the residents a wonderful day.”
