As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre (SSAC), we find ourselves at a natural vantage point. It is a time to look back at the winding path that brought us to this milestone and to honour the individuals who stepped forward to lead the way. Although our journey began on January 16, 1969, when our predecessors were granted status as Branch No. 69 of the Senior Citizens Association of British Columbia, the SSAC story began in 1986, sparked by the official certification of our charitable society. Since that foundational moment, the spirit of the Centre has been shaped by the hands of 25 different presidents. In any organization spanning four decades, leadership styles inevitably vary; some of these individuals were widely lauded for their vision, while others faced the inevitable critiques that come with public service.
However, to focus only on the “mixed reviews” of history is to miss the heartbeat of the SSAC. The true common thread among every president and the dozens of volunteer board members who served alongside them, is a profound, selfless commitment to service. Each leader stepped into their role during unique challenges, dedicating countless voluntary hours to do what they genuinely believed was best for our community.
But the Centre has never been a “one-person show.”
While presidents helped set the direction, it took an army of volunteers to keep the lights on and the programs and services running. From those making high-level decisions in the boardroom to the many hands performing the quiet, everyday tasks, the SSAC stands today as a monument to collective effort.
We celebrate not just the years, but the spirit of volunteerism that has steered our course since 1986.
On a personal note, I feel incredibly fortunate to have served as your President for the last three years. This period has been one of monumental change for the SSAC. We’ve modernized our operations with electronic member scanning and overhauled our audio-visual equipment to keep us connected and current.
Yet, of all these changes, the achievement that fills me with the most pride is the Affordable Lunch Program.
By September 2023, it was clear we needed a new strategy. While our talented kitchen team, led by Emily, was turning out exceptional meals, rising food costs were pushing prices out of reach for some. It saddened me to hear members mention that a $15 roast beef dinner had become a luxury they could no longer easily afford. I’ve been very fortunate in my presidency to have Gill Smith as a manager. I was trying to work out a way of making sure the less fortunate of our members could get good hot meals, possibly giving free meals supported by donations.
However, during a conversation about this with Gill, she suggested a modification of my idea, and thus the Affordable Lunch Program was born. We would try to hold prices for everybody at a low level supported by donations. It has been a tremendous success. We have been able to hold prices constant since that time, due to member donations plus income now from the BC Seniors Online 50/50.
As I step over the threshold into my final month as President, I do so with immense joy. Our growth necessitated a shift from being a volunteer-run “business” to a professionally staffed organization. We have been blessed with superb additional staff such as Jackie and Liz in the kitchen, and sparkling Heather at the front desk, and most significantly, our first Executive Director, Vicki Raw. This transition marks a fundamental change in how we are governed; we are moving from an operating board to a governance board. Reflecting this evolution, you will notice that the upcoming April 22nd AGM will call for a Board Chair rather than a President. I am confident that our E.D. Vicki Raw will steer the Centre efficiently but with the same values of caring and service that I have.
No leader stands alone, and I owe a debt of gratitude to those who sustained me including all the incredible board members I have worked with. I thank my wife, Helen, for her tireless support, from editing my writing and securing grants to the daunting task of coordinating our kitchen volunteers. Most of all, I must thank our Treasurer, Alison Kowalewski. The title “Treasurer” hardly captures the scope of her work and the endless hours she has poured into this Centre. Quite simply, her dedication made me an infinitely better President than I could ever have been without her.
While my term is ending, I’m not going far. I’ll still be working on the online 50/50 with Alison and Jurgen, but primarily, I look forward to simply being a “happy user” of the Centre. As I close this chapter, remember that the SSAC is, above all, about community. Keep smiling and keep caring for one another.
