The Bonnyville Seniors' Drop-In Centre is banking on support to help with operational costs and much-needed upgrades.
“We don't receive regular funding from any levels of government, and we're autonomous so it's up to us to find the money,” said Bonnyville Senior Citizens' Society representative Rita Normand.
Normand was in front of MD of Bonnyville council on Wednesday, Oct. 2 to provide an overview of their operations, and request financial assistance from the municipality.
The majority of seniors' centres in Alberta are managed by their local municipal government, however, Bonnyville is one of only three that are completely autonomous, according to Normand.
“It's a very little known fact; I was shocked when I found out.”
In 2018, their total income came in around $120,000, made up primarily of fundraisers, grants, and donations. However, Normand noted the income can “vary greatly” year to year.
The economy has also taken its toll on the number of donations they're receiving, with just $1,300 in the 2017-2018 fiscal year compared to over $20,000 from the same companies in past years.
“We can apply for grants, but there's no guarantee we'll get them. Any grant we apply for, we can't start the work until we get the grant,” Normand explained. “That can make it difficult for things we need done right away.”
In addition to their regular expenses, out of the ordinary costs have put a dent in the society's funds. Since the 2018 fiscal year-end, $10,000 was put towards installing a handicap door and over $38,000 was needed to repair the roof, among others.
Looking ahead, the seniors' society is anticipating some large items in their budget in the coming years, including replacing the hot water tank, repainting the building, and upgrading lights and furnaces.
“The stage we have is very heavy and difficult for our volunteers, so we do need a new one. We need to replace the hot water tank because it's inadequate for our need; we do host a lot of events where a meal is provided and there's major dish washing to be done. We need to repaint the exterior of the building, and we need an air conditioner for the pioneer hall,” Normand told council.
She added, “We know in the near future the furnaces are going to need replacing. They're all the same age, there's six of them including the rooftop unit, and the advice we had from someone who services it is to make them last as long as we can and then replace them.”
While they don't pay taxes, as the town own the land the building is on, the seniors' society is responsible for all of their utilities. The town also provides in-kind services, including snow removal from the parking lot and cutting down trees.
To take care of the day-to-day office tasks, such as bookings, the society is looking to hire for a part-time administrative position. They currently employ a part-time cook and cleaner.
When it comes to meeting their annual financial obligations, Normand expressed they "mostly go on a hope and a prayer because we're mostly based on fundraising.”
“There's no guarantee, but we do try to put money aside for the leaner years.”
Reeve Greg Sawchuk added there could be further uncertainty for groups like the seniors' society when it comes to provincial grants.
“The worry, as far as grant funding goes, is we heard from the province the other day that when the budget comes down, that's one of the things that's going to be cut. The premier pretty much has said that there's going to be a percentage cut of the grant funding.”
Stressing it's hard to predict their annual income, Normand agreed with MD CAO Luc Mercier that a $15,000 funding request would alleviate some of their financial concerns.
First opened in 1977, the Bonnyville Seniors' Drop-In Centre currently has 219 members, 79 live in the MD and 140 reside in town, with over 200 additional participants coming in from surrounding seniors' clubs to take part in activities. Anyone can become a member, with those aged 50 and above being a full member and under 50-years-old as an associate member.
A wide variety of activities are provided for seniors throughout the year, from floor curling and shuffleboard to crafts and card games. The society also hosts a number of information sessions, tournaments, and events, as well as transports seniors to out-of-town functions with the bus they own.
“You guys definitely play a big part in the community,” noted Coun. Marc Jubinville. “You have to be commended for what you do, because it's significant.”
