2nd Annual October 1st Elders’ Fair at Vibrant Aging Community Center (VACC).
In 1990 the World Health Assembly designated October 1st the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) to draw attention to population aging globally as well as to highlight the societal concerns and contributions of senior citizens. 2023’s theme, “Fulfilling the promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations.”
Thanks to sponsors, community collaborators and resource persons, student volunteers, and the hardworking staff, Vibrant Aging Community Center (VACC), hosted its 2nd Annual Elders Fair on October 1st, 2023.
Almost twice as many elders compared with last year attended- from Winneba, Appam, Swedru, and Accra. Most were supported to attend at subsidized cost or for free thanks to the generosity of sponsors. Hence, many elderly persons who otherwise would not or could not have attended were able to do so. Furthermore because of sponsors the facility was able to showcase a broader scope of health screenings, activities, pre-event education via radio as well as radio advertising beyond Winneba. The result -educating, encouraging, and feting more elders from more communities.
Elders’ Exhortation and Communion Service on International Day of Older Persons (IDOP).
The Multipurpose Room transformed..
-full house
Since it fell on a Sunday, this year’s IDOP commemoration at VACC began with an Elders’ Exhortation and Communion Service held in the Multipurpose Room. The motivating service was officiated by Methodist Church affiliate Reverend Victoria Kitoe. Congregants started arriving as early as 7:30am for a program start of 9:30 am! It was a truly well attended and joyous occasion. Thereafter they enjoyed breakfast and fellowship, and readied themselves for the fair.
Paramount Chief of Effutu Traditional Areas declares the fair open.
VACC is very grateful for a most honorable guest’s attendance, the Paramount Chief of Effutu Traditional Areas, Nenyi Ghartey VII, who officially declared the event open. Then the Elders’ Fair began in earnest. Let the fun and games begin!
Health Screenings, Game Competitions & Other Activities on International Day of Older Persons (IDOP), VACC.
Many came in white attire as per church custom because it was 1st Sunday of the month. Some were accompanied by their caregivers and other non-elder guests. All were attended to by the team of VACC staff, volunteers, and community resource persons. Guests mingled, many competing in board games and other games such as croquet and ladder toss for bragging rights and prizes. There was also beadwork and other crafts for the creatives among them. VACC services users shared testimonials.
The Health Screening tent courtesy of Otoo Memorial Hospital Optical Services, Seaside Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center, and Trauma Hospital, all located in Winneba, stayed very busy. This year’s health screens included vision tests and fall assessments and counseling, in addition to the usual blood pressure, blood glucose and Body Mass Index (BMI) checks, and nutritional counseling.
Moreover, attendees received a health talk and advise from a Trauma Hospital nurse on the topic “Its not too late to take charge of your health”. Further, they learned of their rights and privileges as senior citizens courtesy of staff member from the Department of Social Welfare and Development of the Winneba Municipal Assembly.
Fair attendees enjoyed plenty of delicious nutritious food, drink and fun snacks (there was a line at the popcorn machine!), fellowshipping, playing, dancing, laughing- together. Then there were prizes.
A very good day indeed. To God be all the glory.
Thank you sponsors, volunteers, & staff
Vibrant Aging Community Center (VACC) gratefully acknowledges the following sponsors, partners, and volunteers of the October 1 International Day of Elderly Persons (IDOP) Elders’ Fair 2023:
| INDIVIDUALS (Charitable Donations) | BUSINESSES/ESTABLISHMENTS/SERVICES (In-Kind-Donations) GHANA | STUDENT VOLUNTEERS |
| GHANA | Golden Star FM (Swedru) | Nathaniel Ackom |
| Drs. Seth and Esi Adu Afarwuah | Kupa Studios (Swedru) | Edward Adjei |
| Mr. & Mrs. EA and Victoria A Colecraft | Only Jesus Rental (Winneba) | Akilah Aisha Aidoo |
| Dr. Roland Kanlisi | Promise Asomani -photography student (Accra) | Racheal Bless Aidoo |
| Dr. & Mrs. Kofi and Hanna Korsah | Radio Peace (Winneba) | Gifty Akagre |
| Mr. & Mrs. Ike and Sophia Osafo | Seaside Physiotherapy (Winneba) | Comfort Anim |
| Dr. Gloria Otoo | Sunshine Multimedia (Accra) | Alexander Bernard Arthur |
| UNITED KINGDOM | Trauma Hospital (Winneba) | Francisca Blessing Bagyour |
| Mr. John Ackah Sarbah | Otoo Memorial Hospital (Winneba) | Priscilla Baidoo |
| Mr. Silas Ackah Sarbah | Malan Abel Bilasim | |
| UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | Friends of Ghana’s Aged (FOGA) (Michigan, USA) Charitable financial donation | Isaac Kobina Biney |
| Rev. & Mrs. William and Susanna Agble | Stephen Panyin Bondziedu | |
| Ms. Barbara Effe Amuaku | Obed Inkoom | |
| Ms. Francoise Bissai | Deborah Koffie | |
| Dr. & Mrs. Ron and Gwendolyn Brown | Anita Koranteng | |
| Ms. Elizabeth Colecraft | Peprah Lawson | |
| Drs. Henry and Monica Colecraft | Emmanuel Mensah | |
| Drs. Kwame and Lorna Dawes | Victoria Nkansah | |
| Mr. & Mrs. Dider and Patrice Diakite | Clara Afriyie Obeng | |
| Dr. Ben A Dwamena | Priscilla Akorfa Tsagli | |
| Mr. Kwodwo Ekye Addai | Vera Yawson | |
| Drs. Kene Ewulu and Ijeoma Kene Ewulu | Mohammed Zubeiratu | |
| Drs. David and Lindsey Harrell | ||
| Mr. Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo | ||
| Ms. Myna Reindorf | ||
| Drs. Steedman and Catherine Sarbah | ||
| Mr. & Mrs. Randy and Emayet Spencer | ||
| Mr. Kenny Taylor | ||
| Mrs. Patricia Traub | ||
| Mr. & Mrs. JC and Betty Walker | ||
| Mr. & Mrs. Ato and Nana Adwowa Waters | ||
| Mr. & Mrs. Richard and Leola Wilson & Mr. Brian Wilson |
