Citizen Journalist: Alexandria Gortan

2011 has been anything but dull for the Central Saanich Senior Citizens Association (CSSCA).  While trying to convince Council to help repair their aging building, the Seniors continue to look for new ways to meet the needs of the growing 50+ population. From outside their quiet building (adjacent  to Central Saanich library), one would be surprised to see the flurry of activity going on inside.

“Active living, healthy aging, lifelong learning and community involvement” are the CSSCA’s  top priorities, according to Program Director George Colussi. They strive to achieve these goals by offering a wide range of programs such as Bridge, Tai Chi, art classes, yoga, aerobics, guest lecture series, out trips, special events and community partnerships. These classes, in addition to a brand new website, help seniors stay connected and learn new skills, while making new friends and reducing feelings of isolation.

While other senior organizations are usually funded in part by local governments, the CSSCA receives no direct municipal funding and largely relies on fundraisers and donations to cover their operational costs. This is no easy task, considering the 2006 census determined that over 43% of Central Saanich residents are 50+. “We’re it. We are the community centre for Central Saanich. We provide the leisure and recreational programs and services to area residents aged 50+ that would typically fall to the Municipality or District to do. And we have been doing this, thanks to our volunteers, for over 30 years,” says Colussi.

According to Gladys Otto, one of the founding members of CSSCA, “Without any paid staff, these volunteers contribute over 10,000 hours of service per year, which saves local governments and taxpayers $140,000 per year in labour.” The volunteers hope that residents and businesses alike will recognize their contribution and choose to invest in their organization. Each contribution allows CSSCA to reach more people. In 2011, they received a federal grant from New Horizons, which allowed them for the first time to hire a part-time Program Coordinator and expand the number of programs they offer.

Another welcome surprise was a $5,000 donation from The Peninsula Co-op. According to manager Ron Heal, “Central Saanich Senior Citizens Association plays a very important role in lives of senior residents in our community, by providing a comfortable location for people to come together. Peninsula Co-op is honoured to be involved in the lives of our long-term residents who have built our community to the great place it is today.”

The Seniors are still waiting for a decision from Council regarding their 2010 Grant-In-Aid application in support of annual operating expenditures. The previous Council decided to postpone any decisions regarding funding until after the election.

In the meantime, with an active group of volunteers, the seniors carry on doing what they do best – keeping busy in a wide range of stimulating and enjoyable activities. Long time member, Barbara Roberts, shares her reasons for belonging, “It’s about spending quality time with interesting people and finding fun and friendship.” And she is not alone – it is these friendships that are the heart and soul of the Central Saanich Senior Citizens Association.

The CSSCA is a vibrant organization which is always open to new members. For more information regarding memberships, programs, hall rentals or volunteer/donation opportunities, please call George Colussi, Program Director at (250) 652-4611 or visit www.CSSCA.ca

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