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Seniors getting another place of their own

Mayor Wendal Milne is working with seniors and the Sooke Community Association to get them a new drop-in centre.

The seniors in Sooke may soon have another place where they can gather for activities, lunches and meetings.

Mayor Wendal Milne stated at council on June 24 that he is working with the seniors and the Sooke Community Association (SCA) to find a way to house the Seniors’ Drop-In Centre in the dining room at the community hall.

Karl Linell, president of the association, said they offered it to them.

“I think they’re in a bind and have no place to go,” said Linell referring to the seniors.

The Seniors’ Drop-In Centre was previously located on Sooke Road and was the go-to spot for those looking for some interaction, a hot lunch and bingo. Displaced, the seniors then went to the Sooke firefighters lounge in the municipal hall where they remained for the past couple of years and with the firefighters wanting the space back, the seniors have been searching for appropriate space.

Linell said the hall is getting run down and the $25,000 grant being applied for will help. The association itself does not have the money to upgrade the dining hall as it has ball fields and the hall itself to contend with.

The seniors will be able to use the hall two days per week and will be able to store their equipment there as well.

“At two days a week, they will fit into our program quite well,” said Linell.

Mayor Milne said that there are also other seniors’ Age Friendly grants they can apply for.