The annual Fall Health Fair returns to Hope Secondary School this Saturday.
The event aims to raise awareness about the importance of good health, encourage healthy behaviours, and promote use of the local health, social and cultural resources.
“With this year’s theme of Laughter is the Best Medicine, the Fall Health Fair is a great place to share some laughs, lighten your burdens, connect with others and exercise happiness,” said coordinator Brenna Ayliffe. “Laughter is one of the most powerful tools to support your physical and emotional health.”
The Fall Health Fair will feature entertainment by Hope Community Choir, Hope Performing Arts Community Theatre, and the Senior Keep Fit exercise class. There will also be a joke telling contest and comedy skit by youth from the Fuze Box and Youth Inclusion Program, children’s storytelling, concession sponsored by Camp Squeah, flu shot clinic, and Hope’s Heart Hero award presentation.
This year’s keynote speaker is Glenda Standeven, co-author of Choosing to Smile, which is an autobiography written by three friends who all happened to have cancer.
After being diagnosed with cancer in 1987, and losing her entire right leg to the disease in 1988, Standeven felt it important to give encouragement and hope to others facing adversity. In 1990, before the birth of their second son, she won two silver medals in the BC Winter Games in the slalom and giant slalom events. Standeven was Chilliwack’s Woman of the Year in 2003, received the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award in 2005, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013 for her “exemplary community volunteer efforts.” She has volunteered in many capacities for the Canadian Cancer Society over the past two decades and facilitated a Living With Cancer Support Group for 11 years. Standeven is also a member of The Rotary Club of Chilliwack, a lifetime member of the Optimist Club of Chilliwack, a Terry’s Team Member for the Terry Fox Foundation, and an active member of the Valley Women’s Network.
The Fall Health Fair runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hope Secondary School is located at 444 Stuart St.