Let me introduce myself: My name is Val Galat.
My husband and I moved to Sechelt in 2016. After some research on the facility, I joined the pickleball program and have happily been a member ever since. My first gig as a volunteer was helping count money for the Treasure Chest 50/50 (aka Toonie Tuesday) fundraiser, where I met several people who are still friends as of today. Then I joined the fundraising committee to raise funds for the extension of the Lunchroom for the Centre, and after that I chaired a committee that celebrated the donors from that fundraiser. Post-Covid I joined the Board of Directors as the Secretary. I am the Chair for the Friday Badminton players. And lastly, I chair the committee for the 40th Anniversary of the Activity Centre. I have enjoyed bringing my skill set to these tasks and am having (way too) much fun along the way!
The 40th Anniversary of the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre incorporation has had some interesting celebratory events. Gill Smith and I popped into several activities at the beginning of 2026 to share about events that were planned for celebrations. Stickers with the 40th logo were handed out, and members were encouraged to participate. And they have!
Richard Ward did a written history of the Centre over several Echo articles.
Commemorative thermal tote bags went on sale in the new year, sporting our 40th Anniversary logo.
You may have noticed that there are banners hanging from the light standards in the front parking lot, as well the silhouettes placed on the windows and walls of the Centre. Vicki Raw created these. They really capture the spirit of the Centre.
A pickleball Dinkathon Tournament was held mid-March to commemorate the 40th, which was enjoyed by all participating players.
To commemorate National Volunteer Week in April, we provided gift bags after the AGM for our many volunteers, as a way to
thank them for their dedication to the Centre.
On May 14th, the actual date of our incorporation, the Centre hosted an event in the dining room, which included a video under the leadership of Brian Coxford, and created by students, a slide show to assist for those playing a trivia game about the Centre, and a ceremony dedicating our Time Capsule. Music was provided by our Ukulele players. And we enjoyed several songs sung by our very own Heather Doré. A couple of tasty cakes were served to top off the event!
The following evening, we played Rock ‘n’ Roll Bingo in the Auditorium, along with the opportunity to bid on some wonderful Silent Auction items. Everyone had a wonderful time, with nearly 100 songs from the ’80s played and sung to by (amateur) soloists!
Another celebratory event was recently held on August 15th, as the 40th Anniversary BBQ and Open House. The Sunshine Coast Rotary club kindly and magnificently cooked and served our burgers, with chips, and drinks also available. Ice cream was served inside, where many tables were set up along with some activity leads, to explain about our offerings.
Going forward our annual Halloween Dance, on Saturday, October 31st , will feature special prizes for the best ’80s-themed costumes!
Thanks to everyone who has been able to help along the way, including present and past Board members, Vicki Raw and Gill Smith, Nicol and her people for the paper flowers, Jay and her team for the decorations, and countless others who pitched in.
