Cambridge Primary School principal Mike Pettit, right, leads some of the walkers at Monday’s event.
Another successful event in support of senior citizens was held at Cambridge Raceway on Monday.
This global walk to celebrate the value of older people, organised once again by Cambridge’s advocate for seniors Florence Shearman, was held to closely align with the United Nations International Day of Older Persons on October 1, and New Zealand Grandparents’ Day on October 4.
Among the 70 or so people who attended was Cambridge Primary School principal Mike Pettit, who was accompanied by a group of his students and their grandparents.
“The event is, in a small way, an opportunity for our community to highlight what our older folk do. It is also an opportunity for grandchildren to really understand the importance of grandparents,” he said.
Organiser Florence Shearman was delighted with the result, despite Covid-19 placing restrictions on the numbers able to attend. Radio host and emcee Kay Hale, who has been involved with the global walk for several years, said those coming along demonstrated great positivity and ‘complied admirably’ with Covid protocols around mask-wearing and distancing.
The walkers were joined by Cambridge Jockey Club chief executive Mark Fraser-Campin, and representatives of various organisations. The crowd was entertained by the Cambridge Rotary band, The Bruised Brothers.
Also attending was Tim Bryers, key account manager for the SuperGold Card with the Ministry of Social Development, and his MSD associate Georgia Phillips, who is product owner for the SuperGold digital platforms.
Both took questions from those wanting to know more about the card.
Tim said by involving people of all ages, the global walk was a good reminder of the closeness that young and old mutually share. “We attended to help promote awareness of the discounts SuperGold cardholders can receive.”
Information on the cards is from www.supergold.govt.nz. Digital channels were launched at the end of 2019 to make it easier for cardholders to use.
