Senior Wish Association is a non-profit charity that seeks to honour our seniors by granting their wishes and organizing special events to show them younger generations have not forgotten them and their contributions throughout their life.
Senior Wish Association is an entirely volunteer run registered charity. Our volunteers are our backbone and are directed by the board of directors.
Founder, Past Chair
In my work as an auctioneer I would visit many seniors and their life stories would affect me. I would visit the seniors and see how lonely they were, that sometimes all they needed was a listening ear and a friend – for that reason I started Senior Wish, so that we could grant wishes an ensure that no senior in our community would ever feel alone. Our first year we gave Christmas presents to 75 seniors, it has now grown to reaching over 3000 seniors that otherwise would have been alone or forgotten.
I could never express the full joy of starting Senior Wish and the support received from so many people – some who started as soon as I said it out loud that I wanted to start a Charity for Seniors.
Memories of wishes granted, Christmas Wish, the Memory Project, Seniors, Students and so much more still brings tears to my eyes when I think of Senior Wish and the special stories. This has been a life altering charity and I am so proud of where we are today, I may be the founder but so many people are the life blood and the heart of Senior Wish such as our amazing volunteers, Board of Directors, advisory board, supportive and caring community, and donors. There are books about Chicken Soup for the Soul. Senior Wish is my ‘Chicken Soup’ and my opportunity to give back.
Chair
My name is Patricia Imrie and at present I am the president/ chair of Senior Wish. I have been with Senior Wish since its inception in 2010 and have held a board position since 2011.
I also spearheaded the tour of lights that I approached the Barrie Huronia rotary club to co-sponsor and was very successful until 2020 where we had to cease due to COVID.
This was a Christmas event that the seniors looked forward to and would talk about until the summer rolled in.
My role with seniors in our area started when I worked with Royal Bank and held an account manager position. My career was 35 successful years and most of my clients were seniors as I set up mobile banks in the senior homes.For safety reason, I always travelled with another employee due to the large amount of cash we carried.I joined forces with OPP doing fraud seminars to educate the seniors to protect themselves from being victimized. I also joined hands with local lawyers to do estate planning seminars . Seniors have always been my passion. Now with senior wish I still get to fulfill my dreams of making the lives of seniors safe and meaningful.
On a personal side ,I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 53 years and have three sons and 6 grandchildren. John came over from Scotland as a teenager and we met at a local grocery store and went to Barrie Central Collegiate together. All three of my sons are very successful in their lives with our daughters in laws giving us 2 grandsons and 4 granddaughters.
I have always been involved in our community along with my husband and children.I was president of the ladies auxiliary in Barrie minor hockey as all three sons played through the system while my husband coached and managed teams .We both took a month off work to chaperone 90 exchange students on a cross Canada tour for Rotary. I have always supported him in his charities and he supports me volunteering for our senior wish in any capacity he may be asked to do.(Santa on tour of lights just one example). John and I volunteered for rotary and other organizations all our married life together and now our eldest granddaughter has helped with habitat for humanity and always volunteered at the fishing derby Rotary held each fall . We are very proud to see our passion to give carryover to our children and grandchildren.
When I was employed by RBC I organized a group for the bank to deliver meals on wheels and again my whole family were among the volunteers for this . This is where we saw the shut ins and the seniors alone waiting for a smiling face to deliver a hot meal. Now we at senior wish get to deliver warm wishes at Christmas and throughout the year to seniors again that are alone and waiting for a kind gesture of love.
I have been instrumental in getting an opening in our charity bingo that has allowed us to make sure our seniors have the items they need. We are now joining hands with Parkview centre to have picnics for local seniors in our community along with food trucks and ice cream trucks bringing these fun foods to the senior homes so they are not forgotten.
At present I am a lady Shriner and hold a directors position to raise money for our hospital for crippled children. I have been a lady Shriner for over 16 years and my husband is also a Shriner but for much longer.
In closing I have chaired our Seniors wish association with so many passionate volunteers and our common goal is to make sure that every senior feels loved and respect.
Thank you for letting me be a part of a such a caring group of individuals that give of themselves freely everyday.
Patricia Imrie
Treasurer, Chair of Wishes
I was born and have lived near Barrie all my life and have seen a lot of change for sure.
Ever since high school I have believed in “giving” back to worthwhile causes and have been a team mom, baseball coach, hockey tournament co-convenor, president and convenor of various sports leagues and canvasser for Canadian Cancer Society.
Upon retirement I became motivated to give back to those in society, our valuable seniors, that are often less thought of. My accounting experience is part of what I bring to the Senior Wish Association but mostly my joy in knowing that we can bring happiness and comfort somehow to the lives of those who have so much to share with us about themselves.
Chair of Card Distribution
I have been a volunteer with Senior Wish Association since 2019 and a Board Member since 2021.
Volunteering has been part of my life since my early teens.
I also volunteer with Good Food Box and Community Wholeness Centre.
My past experience includes leading a youth group, over 10 years as a director on the local and provincial boards of the Ontario March of Dimes, teaching Taoist Tai Chi and almost 15 years as a volunteer and board member for Simcoe County Carriage Driving for the Disabled.
Volunteering is one of the most rewarding experiences an individual can have
Chair of Orillia Chapter
My name is Julie Heidman. I am the Chair of the Orillia Chapter of Senior Wish. I also sit on the Board of Directors. I started with the Barrie chapter of SW in 2016 and started the Orillia chapter shortly after.
I was born and raised in Orillia. I moved to Toronto to go to post secondary school. I came back to Orillia to raise my family and help my parents.
I went to school for marketing and SSW specializing in addiction. I worked at the Orillia hospital in many capacities and am now working in LTC.
My greatest achievement is my incredibly successful children. I am an avid traveller and live for my time on the water in my boat.
Director, Chair of Barb Richards Grant
I grew up in Barrie and after a 15 year stint in Toronto moved to Innisfil to be close to home and raise my daughter. She is very much involved with Senior Wish as it is a family affair. Having worked in the auction industry since 1993 with my Mom, Barb Richards, I have worked closely with seniors and their families in various capacities as an auctioneer.
When my Mom founded Senior Wish in 2011 I jumped in to help from day one – knowing how many seniors we had served and how many sometimes just needed a listening ear or someone to show they cared. Growing up it was instilled in us to give back to the community, this is just one way I can give back. Having worked with many charities and fundraisers in our area I am constantly blown away at the immense generosity of supporters.
One of my most favourite events is our Christmas Wish program – to see how many volunteers come out to give joy to our community seniors is beyond description. I am very often brought to tears at the stories of the seniors and of the people who come out to support them. My daughter also participated in the Memories Book program with her senior, Mary – to watch them bond and share stories was amazing!
Chair of Innisfil Chapter, Director of Grants
I have lived in a village for 50 years and for that reason I believe you need to be involved and Community minded. In 2016 I joined the Senior Wish Association and became the Innisfil Chair.
I worked at the Simcoe County District School Board Special Needs Department and live happily retired with my husband Frank.
I have joined many local organizations always serving on the Board and in a volunteer capacity.
It is very satisfying to know you’ve helped to strengthen the lives of those less fortunate. The smiles on their faces says it all.
Secretary and Administration
Joined Senior Wish in October 2017 with the Sandycove Chapter as co-chair and remained in that position until July 2023. Was elected to the board in January 2022 and became the secretary soon after.
Moved to Sandycove Acres in Innisfil in September 2012 and started volunteering right away. Inside our little community, I keep myself busy with a hall committee, team lead for our Emergency Preparedness Team, and Vice President/Treasurer of the Homeowners’ Association. In conjunction with our local South Simcoe Police Services, we run a Citizen’s Police Academy Senior’s Edition every summer.
I love Senior Wish and love seeing the smiles on the seniors faces. I am so passionate about Senior Wish and love to give back to the community.
Chair of Seasonal Programs
In different capacities I have volunteered with Senior Wish since its beginning in 2011.
Once retired I was able to devoted more time to volunteering with different organizations within our community spending most of my efforts with Senior Wish.
As a family we try our best whenever possible to give back to the others in our own community. I feel you appreciate life as you may witness things others may deal with through different lenses.
My favourite time spent is with family and friends making memories. Other hobbies enjoyed are gardening, hiking, golfing and just being active!
Director
I have been a dedicated volunteer with Senior Wish for a few years and recently was nominated to the Board of Directors.
I have been a registered nurse in the community for over 20 years in all aspects of health care. I have volunteered as a nurse for many years at a camp for kids during the summer, and I have volunteered on two medical missions to Haiti.
I have two teenage boys, and they are my life. I only hope that they will see what I do, and what many others do, and learn the value in giving back.
Volunteering allows me to give back to the community and support its most vulnerable members and I find great fulfillment in making a positive impact in their lives. Through my work with Senior Wish, I strive to enhance the quality of life for seniors, ensuring they feel valued and cared for in their later years.
Can You Imagine
Anne Marie Carson for Senior Wish Association
when I struggle to stand
my pride and resolve or the old legs of a man
Can you imagine as you pass me in haste
that I once ran with vigor in many a race
Would it surprise you, the things that I know
the places I’ve been and still wish to go
What would you think of the musings I’d share
if only you’d pause and pull up a chair
when I quietly speak
thoughts I’m expressing or a voice cracked and weak
Can you imagine as you rush through your days
that I was busy like you with the children I raised
Would it surprise you that I too worried at night
if my love was enough and my choices were right
What would you think if my words eased your mind
if only you’d rest here with me to unwind
when I stumble in song
that my memory’s faded or my passion still strong
Can you imagine the tears that I’ve shed
lost in rhythm and art and the words that I’ve read
Would it surprise you that I still long for more
of that choir of beauty beyond my front door
What would you think I’d hear in your song
if you’d only reach out and invite me along
in the stoop of my back
my lifetime of labour or the strength that I lack
Can you imagine the spare edge of toil
in coaxing a harvest from the promise of soil
Would it surprise you that it nurtured my soul
with the blessings of gratitude reaped in my role
What would you think of my hunger to see
the sun rise on my fields, now so far from me
in the folding of years
more time that you wish for or lines in the mirror
Can you imagine a view that is meant
to see a life lived and not a life spent
Would it surprise you, the part you could play
in shifting perceptions in a meaningful way
What would you think your donation would mean
for the lives of our seniors who wish to be seen