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Letters: Seniors' votes will count

Letter writer feels Sooke councillor has no empathy for seniors and youth

Re: letter from Herb Haldane Wed. Aug. 27, Sooke News Mirror.

It was with great sadness and disappointment I read again (for the third time) in the newpapers how he has no empathy or understanding of the needs of the seniors and youth of Sooke. In his opinion, they are wanting for nothing, but rather the middle class is without. I am surprised he knows so little of the financial means of a great number of the seniors in Sooke. Many are widows who with their husbands helped settle Sooke. They were never employed outside the home themselves, and have no income from pensions except for the old age pension. They have never contributed to or receive benefits from CPP.

Further, many are alone, with no family, and if not for a place to gather socially would never get out of their homes. They need and deserve a place to spend time in a social atmosphere, both for their physical and mental wellbeing.

The seniors have been actively looking for a permanent home, one that could be shared by others with the same needs. We shared space with the youth before we lost our permanent home in 2010, and it was a very satisfiying relationship on both sides.

I know there are far more seniors who get out and vote than young people. I urge both the seniors and young of Sooke to get out and vote in November, say YES to the referendum, we will have the same naysayers that did not support SEAPARC but what a boon to our community that has proven to be.

And remember, Mr. Haldane does not appear to be interested in supporting our seniors or our youth.

Carol Pinalski

President

Sooke Senior Drop in Center