PRESIDENT’S WINTER 2012 MESSAGE
Welcome to our winter session at the Charleswood Senior Centre. I trust you are all keeping healthy and are enjoying the winter programs, events and fitness classes.
Fundraising has been the Board of Directors main priority over the past few months. We, the Board, of a non profit organization have a huge responsibility when it comes to fundraising, marketing and overseeing the operation of the Centre. Fundraising in particular is challenging, especially as we live in a community where there are no major businesses or corporations for us to draw upon. Having said this, our Fundraising Committee pounded the streets of Charleswood visiting many local businesses. The businesses from our community have made cash donations and donated many items for the Centre to raffle. Our first annual Membership Appeal Drive was also a success. As well, the Craft & Bake Sale, Wine, Turkey Dinner, Stained Glass raffles were outstanding. All these efforts brought in over $6,000 for the Centre. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Staff at the Charleswood Senior Centre, we thank all the businesses, our members and non-members for your generous contributions. Without your support and continuing support the Centre could not thrive and be successful.
Another high priority is Membership. Without members there is no Centre. We are encouraged with the number of new members we are signing up each month and we are very close to reaching our goal of 500 members. A prize will be given to the lucky new member who becomes the 500th person to sign up. Now that is something to celebrate!
This past Christmas, upon last minute notice, the members of the Charleswood Senior Centre came together and made a special Christmas hamper for a single mother of 6. It was a blessing to be able to give back after a season of the Centre being on the receiving end in our fundraising endeavours. As the saying goes, what goes around comes around.
Before signing off, I would be remiss if I did not thank all the Volunteers for their dedication and hard work. Without our volunteers, the Centre could not function to its highest level of operation. However, we need new volunteers to help relieve the ones that volunteer day after day. Please take some time and lend a hand. Volunteering enables you to meet new people and it helps to make a difference not only in your life but in the life of the Centre. Volunteers donate their time, which is the most valuable asset that one can give. If you are interested in volunteering, please stop by the desk and fill out an application. It will only take a few minutes.
As always, I look forward to meeting you at the Centre, hearing about your latest adventures and participating in the programs and fitness classes with you.
Susan Reimer
President
“When we all work together, we all win together.”