Aging Together As Community Haliburton Highlands (ATAC) is celebrating another important milestone, says lead Bonnie Roe, with the group recently securing official not-for-profit (NFP) status.
Roe said ATAC received its NFP designation in August – a move she believes sets the organization up well for the future. It’s been almost three years since Roe and her husband, Greg, and a handful of other community activists joined forces, creating a group committed to advocating for and supporting seniors across the County.
They launched, initially, as the Haliburton Highlands Long-Term Care Coalition, transitioning to ATAC last year. Roe said the group’s purpose has always been to educate seniors about the programs and services available to help them live fulfilling lives well into their golden years.
“We wanted to take a grassroots community perspective to get people to open up and share their stories, to find out what issues people are living through here and how we can try to help them,” Roe told The Highlander.
Speaking to the non-profit designation, Roe said it was a lot of work.
“Many, many hours spent filling out paperwork… we think this is a very important step, as having this status gives us structure. We now need to develop bylaws and policies, which makes us more accountable to the community,” Roe said. “Most importantly, it gives us some level of stability financially, because it does open more doors for funding, which will allow us to do more.
“The overarching goal now is to build capacity through our programming, which should help us attract new members,” Roe added, noting ATAC has a mailing list of about 500 people, with hundreds attending events through 2025.
A community celebration to mark the charitable distinction is being held Nov. 23 at the Haliburton Legion, from noon to 3 p.m. It will double as a chili “funraiser”, Roe said, with ATAC looking to secure funds to see them through the winter.
In its first year, ATAC received $22,500 through a federal New Horizons for Seniors grant. It got another $25,000 via Ontario’s Seniors Community Grant Program in summer 2024, but Roe admitted the coffers are largely empty as the group tries to maintain a presence through the shoulder months.
“This is a transition time for us. From the end of summer until April, we have no funding. We will, hopefully, be getting some money in April, but we really need some support until then,” Roe said.
Six County-based restaurants will be supplying homemade chili – Stone 21 at Pinestone Resort, SIRCH Bistro, Boshkung Smokehouse, Dominion Hotel, Poquito Loco and Features Brasserie. Haliburton Foodland and Wintergreen Maple Products are also involved, offering their support.
Roe said Dr. Nell Thomas will give a presentation at 1:30 p.m. titled ‘love, vitality and value: the legacy of our elders’, which Roe says will unpack the impact older generations have had on society. Live entertainment will be provided by Gary Baumgartner and Mixed Bag, featuring Dave Bathe and George Porter.
The event is by-donation, with Roe telling people to pay what they can, with a suggested amount of $20. Registration is required, through atachhevents@gmail.com or 705-457-6579.
ATAC is actively looking for more board members, with Roe saying there’s an opening for two new members.
“We’re looking for motivated individuals to volunteer in an area that speaks to your interests, values and those of ATAC,” Roe said. “Do you enjoy event planning, board governance or participating in working groups? Fundraising or writing grants? Not all roles are time-intensive and may easily fit your schedule.
“Our events bring together people young and old who believe that aging is an important community discussion that requires planning and finding creative solutions together,” Roe added.
