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Seniors' Drop-In Centre recruiting

Seniors' centre is looking for volunteers to keep lunches going

The Sooke Senior Drop-in Centre has found a new temporary home. After the Drop-in Centre lost its home on Sooke Road, the Sooke firefighters stepped up to provide a temporary home which lasted for almost three years.  As the firefighters prepared for their 100th Anniversary their plans to renovate the lounge was delayed due to the seniors still not having found a new location. The seniors were asked to vacate at the end of June as the renovations could not be delayed longer.

With the help of Mayor Milne and the folks at the Sooke Community Association arrangements were made to accommodate the seniors for lunches and BINGO on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the dining room at the Sooke Community Hall, Eustace Road entrance.  The space is already being utilized by Sooke Meals on Wheels the rest of the week.

“While we appreciate having a space to open our doors again in September, this is still a temporary fix,” says society President, Carol Pinalski.  “We need to find a permanent home where we can run programs and provide inexpensive meals for seniors. We won’t be able to provide our Wednesday hot lunches from this location and will lose a lot of income because of that. We are looking at how to make the most of what we do have though.”

In the meantime, the Sooke Senior Drop-in Centre needs help in the kitchen. Tasks would include: making sandwich fillings, making salads when and if needed, prepping for menu orders as they come in (soup, salad, sandwich, desserts, etc.) as well as helping with the general clean up and dishes, etc.

They need volunteers who can help out on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays for two – five hour shifts, as well as the odd time if the regular kitchen people are away. You will be part of a team.

“We are asking for a six-month commitment, if possible, and know that you will enjoy yourself so much you will choose to stay on with us,” laughs Gerry Quiring, SSDIC director and kitchen coordinator. “Above all we need volunteers who really want to have fun, laughter, and friendship with the seniors as well as the rest of the volunteers. We really enjoy ourselves and we want others to come out and join us!”

The planned opening date is Thursday, September 26.

For more information Gerry Quiring at mgquiring@shaw.ca or phone 250-664-6009 or cell phone 250-896- 1655.  You can also find more details on the volunteer position at www.sookeregionresources.com/volunteer-posting/food-preparation-clean-assistant