DIGNITY

I turn 80 in a few weeks and when I look back on my life I realize that I have never experienced financial security and to this day I stress about money. How will I manage on a single income? Will I be able to stay in my rental, will I scrimp on groceries?? The anxiety and stress of finances has had a crucial effect on my health. I was raised in a broken home, hungry and poor. That stigmatism affects a child. Hungry children do not learn as well as well fed children. The only thing I ever stole was food! I had my first dental appointment at the age of fourteen and I paid with my babysitting money.

I married and raised two daughters(who became hard-working contributors to society.) I have volunteered for hundreds of hours, in many areas of the community, throughout my life and still doing so and I feel the government hasn't got a clue as to the financial burden it would be to society if volunteers stopped. The majority of volunteers are seniors and yes they benefit from the sense of giving but we need to be reminded of how important we are to our community. I would like to see seniors given the respect they deserve and live their lives with dignity.