Newcomers to Winnipeg go through very difficult times in order to integrate and settle in the city. Perhaps the elderly have greater challenges than the youth upon their arrival in Winnipeg, and they need special care and programs that help them adapt, integrate, build new friendships, and get to know new people in the city. 

From this standpoint, Manitoba Islamic Association (MIA) organized an evening entitled Seniors Paint Night, and that was January 22 at the Grand Mosque in Winnipeg. These fun evenings will continue until February 26, 2023, every Sunday from 6 – 8 PM. 

This episode of "Civic Platform" features Urooj Danish, Grant Administrator, Manitoba Islamic Association (MIA). 

Danish talked about the necessity of these nights for the Seniors to practice a new recreational activity through which they get to know new people and make new friends in Winnipeg. 

 Danish also said that the Winnipeg winter is long and harsh, and it is not possible to hold outdoor activities for the Seniors, so we must find indoor alternatives that suit them and do not require much effort from them. Painting night is a fun idea that makes them feel accomplished by learning new skills. 

Colours are life and give meaning to the things around us. This is how Midhat Siddiqui Art Instructor, the artist supervising the painting night, expressed it. She also said that the artist must listen to Seniors, deal with them well, and simplify tasks for them so that they do not feel bored. She also adds, the painting evening is a beautiful thing to add to their weekly activities schedule. 

Contact Zuher Almusre, our civic journalist, to share your story and explore civic issues at zuheralmusre@u-channel.ca. 
Stay tuned for more Civic discussions on Civic Platform. 
The project is funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage and administered by the Canadian Association of Community Television Users and Stations (CACTUS).