Our History
| Concerned
senior citizens from the area collected together to form a Senior
Citizens group in 1970. The original group of members
gathered in the Colwood Hall, at the Parks and Recreation centre and at
the 55+ Club in Langford. This group was instrumental in
having a Referendum in 1976 to create the Seniors Citizens 55+ Activity
Centre. The rest is history. In the fall, November 4, 1976, it was reported that there would be a new Senior Citizens building completed for Christmas, 1976. During the early beginnings, activities and fund raising began. The Arts and Crafts group and the Ceramics began to make and sell a variety of items. Raffles were frequently held for donated items. |
The
original membership was 102. Over these many years we have
increased the membership to approximately 1200. In 1980, we
incorporated as a Society under the Society’s Act. As the
membership expanded, so did the need for more space.
Especially for new programs and storage. You guessed it – we
did expand. Our centre’s members have raised over $800,000.00
for these expansion projects. We are currently on the
expansion quest once again to have a new building built in the New Year
(2009). We soon hope to have the funds to break ground. We have elections once a year and the volunteers get nominated for the position that they are interested. We point out here that our centre and building are |
managed
by the elected executive
and board of directors. Our centre is driven by
volunteers. We have no paid salaries, with the exception of
the custodian who is supplied and paid by West Shore Parks and
Recreation (WSPR). To utilize the programs, you must join the Association. Once your membership is paid, the programs you are interested in are free. The only items you may pay for are materials that you may require in some of the programs. The centre is open to the public for the “Showcase of Art”, the Garage Sale and Craft Fair and Friday afternoon Bingo. Our 1200 membership represents approximately 25% of the West Shore over 55 population. |