Fourteen years ago, Lois Green was on a walk with a friend when she came across the 91原创 Senior Resource Society鈥檚 (LSRS) seniors centre.
At 65, Green had to retire when her workplace was cutting back shifts, but she still wanted to work because she had been on her own for many years.
The resource centre welcomed her as a member, and she was able to meet new people and explore her creative interests like crochet, cross-stitch, knitting, making greeting cards, and rock painting.
Now at 78, Green has been volunteering two afternoons each week for eight years to help out the centre.
鈥淚鈥檝e always been a nurturing person, even when I was working as a receptionist. I felt my job was not only to be the first representation when people walk in the door but also to make everyone else鈥檚 job easier. And I鈥檝e carried that on here,鈥� she explained.
The Murrayville resident also spends time playing Minecraft with her 13-year-old granddaughter, Natalie, who Green said struggled during the pandemic.
鈥淚 think that we, as seniors, need a sense of purpose. It鈥檚 hard to work, raise kids, work, retire, and bang 鈥� the door is closed. Here, we can give back to the community.鈥�
It鈥檚 very important to socialize and meet new people, she added.
The 91原创 senior society is a not-for-profit organization and registered charity that provides social, recreational, and educational programs, and food and health services to adults 50 years of age and older in the City and Township of 91原创.
It鈥檚 led by a volunteer board of directors who live or work in the local community.
Kate Ludlam, 58, was hired as the new executive director in early March and emphasizes that she immediately saw the impact social isolation had on seniors during the pandemic.
鈥淧eople are coming here because they want a connection, and they鈥檙e welcome here,鈥� she said.
Some programs the society offers include table tennis, pool, woodworking, knitting, walking groups, and a support group for those who have lost a loved one.
On site is a fully equipped professional kitchen that chef Josh Jackson cooks homemade meals in.
Another feature is a thrift boutique, Tuk Shop, on the first floor, which has a variety of fashionable items and raises more than $40,000 per year to support the society. Anyone is welcome to donate their items such as clothing, hats, jewelry, soft cover books, and knitting goods.
For those with physical or cognitive limitations, who require specialized care, the society has services and programs customized for them, as well, including the adult day program funded by Fraser Health and located on 56th Avenue, Ludlam explained.
There are also several clinics for members such as foot care, income tax, and most recently a computer lab.
Ludlam has lived in Walnut Grove for 23 years, and has always enjoyed community work.
鈥淧ersonal connection to the cause is crucial and I think that鈥檚 where I do my best work. I feel so honoured and lucky to have stepped into this job.鈥�
The society is not a residence, but is a 鈥渕ini community centre with heart,鈥� Ludlam said.
In her new role, Ludlam and her team of volunteers hope to become a leading coordinating group in 91原创 鈥� partner with other senior services to accomplish that goal.
鈥淲ith our demographic growing and the demands that we see, we need to unify and unite our community when it comes to senior services.鈥�
This initiative will start with seniors week starting June 5 at 10 a.m. with MLA Andrew Mercier making an announcement about several partnerships.
鈥淭o me, as a leader, we need to not only lift up our organization, but all other organizations in our community that are delivering senior services.鈥�
People interested in volunteering with the 91原创 Senior Resource Society can visit https://lsrs.ca/volunteer/.
READ MORE: New executive director of 91原创 Seniors Resources Society had a hand in hospital ER and MRI campaigns
IN OTHER NEWS: VIDEO: 91原创 senior says thank you to good Samaritan who saved his life
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