An independent seniors' residence in Saanich is on the hunt for volunteers to help round out its board of directors.
Abbeyfield St. Peter's House is a non-profit facility aimed at low-income seniors. It's based on the concept of a large family home; with only a dozen residents, "everyone takes care of each other," said Arlena Dodd, one of the current directors on the board of the St. Peter's Abbeyfield Society, which runs the house. "The only paid staff are the house co-ordinator and cook, who are the same person, a part-time cleaning lady and a gardening service."
Each resident pays rent, and the society receives a small grant from B.C. Housing to help cover the balance of the cost of operations.
At present, the board of directors only has four members. Dodd would like to see that number double.
"Since the summer, some people (on the board) have moved away," she said. "But we really didn't have enough to start with.
"I've been involved for three years. I love it. Seniors are so interesting. They have so many wonderful stories, and they're so grateful for everything we do for them."
Dodd stressed that the level of involvement in the day-to-day operations of the house is entirely up to the volunteers. Positions on the board are equally suited to people with full-time jobs and retirees alike.
"It could be as little as one evening meeting a month, and another three or four hours a month," she said. "It's not a heavy commitment."
Anyone interested in filling one of the vacancies is encouraged to contact Dodd by phone at 250-595-5281 or by emailing arlenadodd@telus.net.