- The Campbell River Seniors’ Centre is a place to meet members for lunch and social activities
- To make a positive difference in the lives of the senior citizens of Campbell River and area by providing a facility in which they can socialize daily on a self-governing basis
- To operate and maintain a safe, welcoming, and attractive multipurpose facility
- To build a sense of ownership whereby members and volunteers share responsibility for the life of the Centre and for each other’s welfare
- To enable personal fulfillment through meaningful volunteer opportunities
- To provide high-quality nutritious food at the lowest possible cost
- To provide programs which address wellness, recreational, educational and social needs
- To play a leading role in providing information and referral services
- To explore new initiatives to serve our members
- To network and develop partnership possibilities with other seniors’ organizations
In January of 2009, a few forward-thinking seniors met at a local coffee shop and recognized the need for a seniors’ centre. They shared the vision of a gathering place in Campbell River that was specifically for seniors. A loosely organized group of seniors who wanted to “get the idea up and running” continued to meet at a private home and to formulate some plans. The group was unanimous about what was wanted but not about how to achieve it.
By April of 2009 there was a petition in circulation to determine public perception of the need of a seniors’ centre. One member created a blog on the internet. Two committee members were accepted to the Seniors’ Advisory Committee. Through negotiations with VIHA, a room was made available to the committee at Ironwood Place for the weekly meetings. Next, was the formal approval for the chosen name of the society and the adoption of the constitution and a set of bylaws. This was done after a review of the constitutions and bylaws of other seniors’ centres in nearby towns and cities.
In May of 2009, we became a registered society with the provincial government. We had a fledgling social structure, plans for weekly lunch and began to formulate plans for achieving the stated goal…a place to call our own.
By June there was a weekly Friendly Friday luncheon with a membership of about 90 seniors. Other seniors’ groups were approached to join the cause and to volunteer on the Board of Directors. A lengthy detailed application to the federal government to acquire charitable status as an organization was being prepared. A bank account was opened and we obtained charitable status. We adopted the following Mission Statement:
The Mission of the Campbell River Seniors’ Centre Society is to make a positive difference in the lives of the senior citizens of Campbell River and District, by providing a facility in which they can socialize daily on a self-governing basis.
Aging is a life stage that is maximized and enhanced by the support of peers and by the sharing of mutual interests and activities.
- Our Values:
- Fellowship
- Inclusion
- Mutual support
- Shared Activities
- Self-governance
- 2010 Board of Directors:
- President, Jacquie Allen
- Vice President, Bruno Fornika
- Treasurer, Ron Pollock
- Secretary, Joyce Pelletier
- Directors: Bob Milligan, Tom Waring, Lois Dalflynen, Meena Weber, Jessie Belcher, Beba Adams, Shurlee Sabo, Dee Soderholm, Joan Carpenter.
In that first year of formal governance, the CRSCS resulted in major positive changes…and many of them. Thanks to the suggestion of Mayor Charlie Cornfield and the benevolence of Allan Edie, owner of The Campbell River Common (former Ironwood Mall), we acquired the use of a 6000-square-foot store front at the only price we could afford. We were open to the members three days a week and membership rose dramatically to over 700 persons. Our bank balance increased. Furniture, appliances, and game tables were acquired giving us an attractive place to eat, visit, play games. Activities were offered and participation rose.
Our public profile was raised in the media. Volunteer lunch teams provided tasty meals. Special holidays such as the July 1st parade and Christmas dinner at the Centre were celebrated. Archival records were kept. A circulating library was established.
We are deeply indebted to the Board of 2010 for giving, as a group and as individuals, their time and energy and expertise to establish the Campbell River Seniors’ Centre. As we elect new boards, we must consider what skills and personalities will help us determine and achieve the next steps towards our goals. What, in fact, are the ultimate and annual goals before us and who is best able to lead and help us to achieve these goals?
- Executive Officers – 2026/27 Until AGM
- President: Georgia Munro
- Vice President: Josie Bezaire
- Treasurer: Michelle Palmer
- Secretary: Dos Mancell
- Past President: Dot Muir
- Directors – 2026/27 Until AGM
- Activities: Martin Bontje
- By-Laws: Sterling Campbell
- Membership: Patty Coyle
- Kitchen Liaison: Kathy Rae
- Communications: *** OPEN ***
- Facilities: *** OPEN ***
- Fundraising: *** OPEN ***
- Special Events: Dot Muir
- Director-At-Large: Nora Henry
- Director-At-Large: Dayle Crawford
- Director-At-Large: Iona Wheatley
- Director-At-Large: Lorna Matthews
Our Constitution was first registered on May 22, 2009 and re-registered, with the changes needed to be in compliance the revised Societies Act, on September 8, 2017.