By common measures, the Silver Threads Society is entering its mid-life years, but the occasion of its 45th anniversary is set to be celebrated by the seniors it continues to support.
For 45 years, Silver Threads Service has worked with the municipality of Saanich to provide recreation and support to the area’s seniors.
The anniversary celebration is focusing on the centre’s relationship with Saanich. The municipality owns the Les Passmore building Silver Threads is housed in, at 286 Hampton Rd., and provides operating funding.
“It’s been a very good, strong partnership with the municipality,” said Tracy Ryan, Silver Threads director of community relations. “We couldn’t do it without their support.”
The centre continues to host recreation programs including fitness classes, shuffleboard, lawn bowling and bridge, along with support groups, a phone call check-in service and mentoring to help seniors fill out forms and work with online services.
“It’s a very accessible centre, it’s welcoming,” Ryan said. “We continue to respond to community need and the needs of seniors … We’ll continue to have a niche.”
“There’s always been lots of great people here,” said member Donna Martin. “It’s really a home, we all love coming here.”
Opened on Dec. 8, 1968, the Saanich satellite centre came from overcrowding at the centre’s primary facility in Victoria.
The history of the facility includes a fire in 1984, the subsequent rebuild supported by the community and the municipality, renovations and expansions.
The centre built after the fire was named after Les Passmore in honour of the alderman’s service to the community and Silver Threads.
On Wednesday, Jan. 15 the Saanich centre will be hosting a “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?” event with special guests Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard, members of council and others.
RSVP to Jean at 250 382-3151 or jean.birtwistle@silverthreads,ca to confirm attendance.
kwells@goldstreamazette.com