Squamish Branch No. 70 of the Senior Citizens Association of British Columbia cleared its coffers this week by donating $84,500 to eight organizations in preparation for officially ceasing of operations at year's end.
The local branch, which was formed more than 50 years ago to advocate for senior pensioners, was responsible for running a travel subsidiary program to support seniors visiting concerts, casinos and other activities around the Lower Mainland and Washington State. It has also run the Christmas Banquet for seniors for the last 36 years.
Although the association claims about 100 members, the current executive is aging, and new leadership is failing to come forward, said branch president Charles Schilberg.
"We're all getting old and we tend not to be able to attract younger people to the organization," Schilberg told members and donation recipients at a luncheon held at the Squamish Senior Citizens Home Society's Cedman Lounge on Tuesday (Nov. 17).
"But our branch has a significant amount of dollars and we'd like to distribute that so that the legacy carries on for seniors."
The Squamish Health Care Foundation was the largest recipient, receiving $40,000 to assist in the acquisition of a CT scanner for the Squamish General Hospital.
Treasurer Don Christie accepted the donation in memory of past president Dr. LaVerne Kindree who died in September.
"The project is Dr. Kindree's wish, so the funds are thankfully received and they will be faithfully applied," he said.
Bill Rempel accepted $30,000 for the Squamish Senior Citizens Home Society. The society will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in the spring and the buildings are approaching that age as well. Repairs and maintenance needs are increasing, so the funds will be put to good use upgrading some units with new floors and appliances, he said.
The district's Squamish Seniors Centre director Carol Wynne accepted $5,000 to acquire items like furniture and equipment to fill out the building.
"Over the years I remember all the support that the seniors' organization has given to the district in the way of contributions," she said. "It has been a great support for recreation in Squamish."
Selected students pursuing post-secondary education will continue to receive $300 for the next 15 years thanks to $4,500 donated to the Howe Sound Secondary School Scholarship Fund.
Meanwhile, the Hilltop House Support Society is being assisted by a $2,000 donation. The Squamish Helping Hands Society, the Squamish Food Bank Society and the Squamish Historical Society each received $1,000 donations.
