The Senior Citizens Action Now Club held its annual Christmas dinner Dec. 8, combining the event with their regular members' birthday celebration, which takes place every two months.
There were 10 birthdays for the month of November and 20 for the month of December.
Members celebrating their birthdays sat at the head table, and received warm wishes from other members.
Before dinner, SCAN president Marcel Lacoursiere and vice-president Joyce Milnthorp presented Claudette McGuire, executive director of the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation, with a cheque for $6,000.
"Your continuing generosity to the health of your community and fellow citizens is commendable," said McGuire.
McGuire listed some of the medical equipment the BUHF has been able to purchase with the help of SCAN donations, including specialized surgical equipment and tools for the cataract surgical team, a crash cart for the emergency room and a pediatric vital signs monitor.
"I find that a very enjoyable part of my job with the foundation is getting the chance to meet some of the most wonderful, kind and caring people - which is how I would describe you," said McGuire.
SCAN receives an annual grant from Saskatchewan Lotteries, which it distributes among the community, donating funds to approximately 20 organizations, as well as sponsoring two annual scholarships.
The group also raises money through their card games, which are held Monday to Friday, in the afternoon.
A small fee of about $1.50 is paid by members when they play the game of the day, whether that be Canasta, Bridge, Kaiser or Cribbage.
"There's cards, and then there's cards," laughed SCAN member Edith Lockhart.
The players have the opportunity to win their money back, but even if they lose, they are winning because they get to support a good cause.
After the cheque presentation, SCAN member Helen Misan presented Beatrice Beatch with an honourary member's certificate, which all members receive on their 85th birthday.
Jim Fedun, who was also to receive his certificate, was unfortunately unable to attend.
While the tantalizing smells of the Christmas dinner, catered by Second to None, filled the air, Lacoursiere entertained the crowd with funny stories and jokes.
