Community Initiatives Program (CIP)
RUSSIAN SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB OF DANDENONG
Meets at the Dandenong Parish Hall of the Russian Orthodox Church. They meet on Tuesdays at 10.00 am in the hall once a fortnight for bingo and lunch and conducts regular excursions and information sessions. This group is auspiced by RWS and operates in close cooperation with the HACC Program.
The main purpose of the Russian Senior Citizens Club is to provide social support through a range of interest based social groups for the 50+ age group. It primarily consists of a group of enthusiastic seniors, who also act as advocates for HACC services. Hence the Club acts as the initial contact point for clients to access HACC services. At present there are 5 active groups that meet regularly for their usual or specially organised activities.
Bingo Club is held once a fortnight and caters for an enthusiastic group of seniors who wish to partake primarily in Bingo and lunch. This group of people celebrate birthdays each the month and always send birthday cards to the membership group.
Around the Samovar Group also meets once a fortnight for lunch and special celebrations. This group offers a relaxed social setting with unstructured activities including Russian singing, reading poetry, tea and friendly chats.
Women’s Group meets once a week for various types of activities, related to health and craft instruction in a range of paper crafts and beading. Regular outings browsing craft shops and craft markets provide fresh ideas and resources for their craft sessions. Health related sessions are organised and are attended by all interest groups.
Performing Arts Group – A group of music lovers get together on a regular basis, providing music and one act plays for entertainment to both HACC clients and aged care facility at Kronstadt Gardens 4-5 times per year.
Outings Group – This group of pensioners are keen enthusiasts of outing. They take part in a variety of activities such as BBQs, visits to different places of interest ranging from beach excursions to berry picking and fishing trips to trout farm.
