SOS was started by three women who were concerned that the needs of local school children were going unmet, and that seniors required assistance in a number of areas. In the summer of 1968, a call went out to residents throughout District 69. Was it possible to create an effective organization to meet needs in the District?

As well as basic necessities like warm coats, food, and shelter; children needed orthopedic shoes, eye glasses, hearing aids, basic dental care, speech therapy, and prescription medications. These obstacles were affecting childrens’ access to basic education. Young mothers needed guidance, and a temporary relief from everyday stresses; seniors needed rides to access medical care, someone to repair a broken stair which could lead to injury, or a dripping tap, which would cut into an already stretched budget. Shut-ins needed visitors to let them know someone cared, and to perform small services, which would improve their quality of life.

The call for community action to ease the burdens of residents in need was answered. Everyone from educators, medical professionals, law enforcement, and bankers, to community advocates, grandmothers, librarians and youth offered their time and expertise to help address local needs. In turn, caring citizens from all walks of life, from Nanoose to Bowser, and Errington to Lasqueti, joined this group to volunteer their time and expertise to the cause.

Thus emerged District 69, Society of Organized Services.