News Update May 2025

Since there have been many recent developments, this is an update for those who were unable to attend the general meeting of Fulford Seniors held on April 23rd 2025. 

New Directions

We applied for status as a non-profit organization and received that designation under our new name, South Salt Spring Community Gathering Place.  Although we remain affiliated with the provincial Old Age Pensioners (BCOAPA), that organization appears to be losing its status as it becomes more difficult to find leadership and management.

We have been working on a job description for a “Volunteer Navigator” who would provide assistance to folks who find themselves needing support to stay in their own homes. The navigator could offer guidance and direction to which services are available from the list recently published by Island Health.

At the same time, United Way in BC distributed funds to Community Service Agencies to help seniors access needed services.  Salt Spring Island Community Services (SSICS) received $20,000 to assist in infrastructure development to ensure easy access to services.  Rob Grant, Exec Director of SSICS has offered us access to $10,000 of that funding for our use.  Our plan is to turn the storage room closest to the main door into office space as a quiet interview space for our 'Volunteer Navigator'. 

Since plans for funding from the United Way appears to be ongoing through SSICS, we will be working to establish an ongoing relationship with Rob Grant and his staff to collaborate on future planning.  While our centre is not in a position to manage hired staff, we are able to offer access to program space for activities etc. 

We have also received a grant of $5,000 from the Salt Spring Foundation to purchase electronic equipment (Smart TV, computer etc.) to further enhance programming options.  The new interview space will be fitted with a desk etc. and offer a secured area for this equipment.  Alternative storage space will be provided elsewhere.

The most recent development is the installation of a lock box for keys to access the centre to manage available keys for program providers and better control access to the building.  This will give us greater control over the security of new equipment. 

Please, don’t forget to replace the key for the next users.  For the access code to the lock box, please message Valerie at fulfordseniors@gmail.com.

Programming

We have a new website and calendar with current programs listed.  Some programs do close for the summer so check the calendar.   While, over the past year, we have focused on what our membership may need, we look forward next year to looking at what we can give back to our community.  We all have skills and knowledge worth sharing and access to a facility where we can offer programs that teach those skill, cooking, stitching, crafting, photography...... the opportunities are endless. What is your passion, and would you like to pass it on?  We need your ideas and support to implement these options....so let's hear from you!