I am thrilled to announce that at the end of March, our 21-passenger bus drove off into the sunset with trumpets blaring. Okay . . . maybe it happened more quietly than that, but there was definitely some excitement in the office when the certified cheque was delivered.
The bus is now the property of a local business owner, Michael Worboys, who plans to offer rentals and group transportation to locals and those visiting the Sunshine Coast. This means that the Centre will be able to work with Michael should we wish to plan any future excursions for our members. Anyone interested in connecting with Michael to offer their services as a driver, inquire about renting the bus, or arranging transportation for a group, can reach out to me () for his number.
I would like to extend a special bus-sized THANK YOU to Richard McGowan, who did such an amazing job steering us in the right direction by managing our bus program over the years. I can only imagine how much work it took to keep the bus maintained and operational and to organize the numerous outings. Thank you to our fabulous volunteer drivers, as well.
Funds from the sale of our bus will go into general revenue and, with Board approval, may be used to install heat pumps in our Craft and Farish rooms to help regulate the temperature in these well-used spaces. Something that has been on our wish list for
a while.
As we ready ourselves for the Annual General Meeting on April 22, 2026, at 1:30pm, please watch your inboxes for the AGM package. You will also find it posted on the bulletin board at the end of the main hallway and on our website (please click here). The list of returning Board Members and Nominees will also be posted at the front entrance.
We hope you will join us as we share highlights from 2025, elect new Officers and Directors to fill vacant positions, vote on changes to our bylaws, and acknowledge the significant contributions to the management and growth of the Centre by our outgoing Board Members, Richard Ward (President) and Alison Kowalewski (Treasurer).
The week of our AGM is also National Volunteer Week, celebrating the ways in which people in Canada have ignited volunteerism in their communities and deepened our collective impact. I don’t have to tell you that our Centre would not be as vibrant, our activities so vast, our meals so plentiful, without our incredible volunteer force. The impact you have is visible every day. Thank you, to all of our Volunteers – you truly are the lifeblood of our organization!
I trust you’ve all been paying attention to the new format of our 50/50 lottery (and buying tickets!) Shifting from a local format to provincial one – by partnering with the seniors’ centres in Campbell River, Gibsons, Mckenzie and Oliver – has seen our jackpots almost triple since last year. February’s winner (from Halfmoon Bay) took home $6,298 and March’s winner (from Mckenzie) took home $5,705! This lottery not only benefits our Centre in multiple ways, but it is also helping the smaller centres build sustainability and increase their profiles. It really is a win-win.
You may have also noticed new window, table and wall decals, and (coming soon) outdoor signage and light pole banners all showcasing the Centre’s 40th Anniversary and a sample of our activities. Our committee is also busy planning a special evening in May (the month of our anniversary) and an outdoor event in the summer, so keep an eye out for dates and ticket sales!
And we are creating a time capsule which will hold photos, documents, small items, etc. that represent the Centre (past and present). If you have something you would like us to consider including, please contact Jay Alexov ().
Lastly, I hope you’ve checked out the amazing, framed paintings hanging above the wooden bench in the main hallway. This is a unique fundraiser for the Centre. Russell McRae will create a one-of-a-kind watercolour painting of you, your loved ones (including pets), family home or favourite location/scene for only $199. Your finished image will arrive framed and beautifully packaged, perfect for you or to give to someone special. And, as if that wasn’t already an incredible offer – 25% from every painting comes back to the Centre! We really appreciate Russell sharing his talents with us in such a charitable manner.
Looking forward to seeing you all at the AGM, at upcoming events and around the Centre. I’m also really looking forward to the sunshine – I know
it’s coming!
