Seniors’ Lifestyle Expo Brings Community Together in Burnaby
in Community ConnectionsWritten by PARC Retirement Living
On Thursday, June 11, the Bonsor Recreation Centre in Burnaby came alive with energy, connection, and inspiration as Mulberry PARC and the Bonsor Seniors Society partnered to host a vibrant Seniors’ Lifestyle Expo.
The event welcomed more than 150 attendees who gathered to explore new ways to stay active, engaged, and connected in their day-to-day lives. Designed around the theme of “Active, Vibrant, Engaged,” the Expo delivered on its promise, offering a dynamic and inclusive experience for older adults seeking community resources, social opportunities, and practical insights into healthy aging.
A Diverse Showcase of Community Resources
A highlight of the afternoon was the impressive lineup of 32 exhibitor tables, representing a wide cross-section of organizations dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of seniors. From healthcare and cultural groups to recreational clubs and social services, exhibitors offered valuable information, demonstrations, and meaningful opportunities for engagement.
Organizations such as Burnaby Hospice Society, the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, ICBC, Burnaby Neighbourhood House, and ElderDog Canada were among the many community partners present, reflecting the depth and diversity of services available to local seniors.
The positive response from exhibitors underscored the Expo’s value as a community gathering. The Burnaby Hospital Foundation shared, “Thank you again for inviting us to the Seniors’ Lifestyle Expo. It was an excellent opportunity to connect with community, and we found it very beneficial for the Foundation. Congratulations to you and your team on a successful event.” Similarly, RCMP Victim Services remarked, “As always, this was such an important and wonderful event.”
Their commitment and enthusiasm played a central role in the event’s success as they took the time to connect one-on-one with attendees, answer questions, and share resources tailored to support independent, fulfilling lifestyles.
Meaningful Connections and Engaging Experiences
Beyond the exhibitor booths, the Expo created a welcoming environment for conversation, discovery, and fun. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in interactive demonstrations, learn about active living programs, and enter to win a variety of door prizes, all while building new social connections.
Many attendees shared positive feedback, highlighting the value of the relationships formed and the information gained throughout the afternoon. Whether reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting new people, the event fostered a strong sense of belonging and community spirit.
Supporting Healthy, Independent Living
At its core, the Seniors’ Lifestyle Expo was about empowering older adults with knowledge and access to services that enrich their lives. From health and wellness support to social clubs and volunteer opportunities, the event showcased the many ways seniors can remain engaged, independent, and connected to their community.
The Expo also provided participating organizations with opportunities to reach new audiences. As South Burnaby Lawn Bowls noted, “We are happy to support you for all you do for us. It is important that we also have the opportunity to introduce lawn bowling to the 55+.” Their feedback reflects the collaborative spirit of the event and the shared commitment to helping older adults discover new ways to stay active and engaged.
A Strong Community Partnership
The success of the Expo reflects the strength of collaboration between Mulberry PARC and the Bonsor Seniors Society, along with the City of Burnaby and the many participating organizations.
With such an enthusiastic turnout and overwhelmingly positive response from both attendees and exhibitors, the Seniors’ Lifestyle Expo served not only as a valuable resource hub, but also as a celebration of connection, vitality, and active aging. The encouraging feedback from community partners reinforces the event’s growing impact and its important role in bringing organizations and older adults together.
Interested in learning more about life at PARC? Come for a tour and see for yourself why so many independent seniors choose our PARC community. Find out more about our residences, and get in touch!
