By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Olive Olbey, 98, believes she’s one of the lucky ones.
“I’m so blessed,” the diminutive apron-clad woman said as she welcomed visitors into her home on a winter’s night before Christmas.
“This is just wonderful. Come in, come in.”
Olbey was one of 15 Chatham seniors to be recognized by East Side Pride (ESP) Chatham-Kent for being good neighbours and citizens. Members of the advocacy group trooped through the streets, singing carols and knocking on doors to surprise residents with $50 grocery gift cards.
Buddy Wright, who grew up on Chatham’s east side and lives right across the street from his childhood home, was another resident to receive a card. He’s a familiar face, known for picking up trash throughout the neighbourhood, keeping public spaces clean, including the BME Freedom Park.
Wright was also deeply appreciative of the gift, adding he’s proud of where he was raised.
“It was good times here then,” Wright said. “Cleaning up is just a little pay back.”
ESP, the grassroots group originally founded to combat street level prostitution and other threats, began in 1999 and just marked its 25th anniversary. Members continue to network with other groups and agencies to create a safe neighbourhood through community programs, with members fundraising for projects.
Founder and former chair Marjorie Crew said the group had some extra money in the pot this year and decided to share the wealth with deserving seniors.
“We just want to give back and make people feel good,” Crew said, noting a grandmother who is raising her grandchildren, some couples in need, and a grieving widow were also on list.
Erika Jones, a director with ESP, said it’s important to recognize seniors as they are “often forgotten.
“Seniors are the pillars of our society and our community,” Jones said. “They were here in the beginning and we wouldn’t be here without them.”
Chair Bev Webster said the goal was to put a smile on people’s faces giving a nod to those whose commitment to the neighbourhood has stood the test of time.
Anyone wishing to contribute to East Side Pride can email [email protected] or visit the group’s Facebook page.
