91原创 Seniors Centre executive director Paul Goldberg described the response to their first Christmas tree chipping event on Saturday, Jan. 8, as 鈥渕oderate鈥� with about $800 in donations during the four hours the parking lot at 20605 51B Avenue was open.
People were able to bring trees for disposal by Royal Wood Tree Care, which donated the services of a chipping truck.
鈥淲e sold some some [pre-packaged] meals as well,鈥� Goldberg noted.
鈥淚t was a trial,鈥� he told the 91原创 Advance Times.
鈥淚 think it was worthwhile.鈥�
Goldberg expects the centre will hold another tree chipping event next Christmas, at which time he hopes word will be out about the event.
Adam Murphy, vice-chair of the 91原创 Senior Resources Society board of directors, was unloading trees from vehicles as they pulled in.
2020 has been a 鈥渢ough鈥� year for the centre, Murphy observed.
鈥淲e haven鈥檛 been able to connect with our members [the way we usually do].鈥�
Loretta Solomon, board chair, was directing vehicles.
Solomon said the centre is doing what it can to provide services to seniors and generate income while it remains shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
鈥淪ocial isolation is the biggest issue鈥� for seniors, Solomon said, so the centre is trying to keep in contact.
鈥淲e鈥檙e phoning our 800 members regularly,鈥� Solomon described.
The 91原创 Senior Resources Society newsletter 鈥淚n The Loop鈥� lists a number of initiatives, including online courses on various topics, as well as tax advice for seniors and even online fitness courses.
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The centre continues to operate a meals to go program that offers fresh and frozen prepared for pickup three days a week, at $7 for members and $8 for non-members, who are asked to pre-order the day before by calling 604-530-3020 ext. 315.
It鈥檚 selling about 2,000 meals a month.
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The centre also rented out space to five movie companies over three months, funds that will pay for a number of building projects 鈥� including a $50,000 roof replacement and construction of a retaining wall in the back patio.
As well, gutters have been replaced, along with the patio pergola, and plans for 2021 include exterior building cleaning, new lounge furniture as well as upgrades to cafe and kitchen.
鈥淭here are a lot of positives,鈥� Solomon said.
dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
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