Thank you for your support of SOS Thrift Shop, you are supporting vital SOS community programs! Thrift Shop Donation Drop-Off Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 am - 2 pm. Shopping Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9 am - 4 pm.
Keeping up with Seniors’ needs in challenging times
In these unprecedented times, SOS is aware of how challenging a situation this is for our residents, particularly for seniors. They are one of the most vulnerable segments of our population, as they are more likely than the rest of us to suffer serious consequences if they contract the COVID-19 virus.
At SOS, we know that many local seniors cannot afford to stock up on items at the grocery store, and when they visit the grocery stores for the items they need, they are finding empty shelves. They are on high alert, and stress is taking its toll.
We must all be diligent in practicing physical distancing, and it is also very important that we continue to check in on our local seniors, particularly if they are without close friends or family. Give them a phone call if you can. If they need support such as food or medicine, have them give us a call and we will do our best to support them. In times like these, our community must come together and look out for one another.
SOS is continuing to offer essential services, and we are in contact with seniors to establish what supports they have, and what they need at this time. Although our facilities are closed to the public, we are offering Seniors Advocacy Services over the phone, as well as Emergency Assistance. We will continue offering our Meals on Wheels program, as this is an essential service for many local seniors. We also continue to assist Ministry of Social Development clients in their submitting their reports, and our Homeless Prevention Program clients will continue to receive support, some of whom are seniors.
We know our area has a lot of seniors. Statistics Canada data confirmed in 2017 that Qualicum Beach has the most seniors aged 65 and over in the country. Parksville trailed close behind in third place. We anticipate more seniors, as well as residents who have been laid off from work, will need to access our services in the coming days and weeks.
Without income from our Thrift Shop, we are limited in our ability to maintain service levels. If you are able, please consider donating online or by phone. Your support is critical at this time.
Please join and support us as we keep the pulse of local residents. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Sign up for our monthly E-newsletter through our website. Start contributing: make an online donation. Sign up to volunteer once we are operating at full capacity again.
If you are a local senior in need of assistance, call SOS at 250-248-2093. By looking out for one another, our community can get through this challenging time together.
Susanna Newton SOS Executive Director
Click here to: Make a donation View our Seniors’ themed Spring Newsletter Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@society_of_organized_services)
SOS is committed to supporting seniors. Although the Thrift Shop and SOS Community Services Centres are closed to the public, we are here to help. Please see the message above for essential services offered. Please click here or on the image below to view our Seniors-themed Spring Newsletter. Once the COVID-19 pandemic diminishes, we look forward to re-starting all of our programs for seniors, as well as for children, youth and families. Without income from our Thrift Shop, we are limited in our ability to maintain service levels. If you are able, please consider donating online or over the phone. Please click here to make a donation. Your support is critical at this time. Thank you for your support of SOS and our community, and we hope you enjoy reading our Spring Newsletter.
SOS has had to make some difficult decisions in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, but will be offering some essential services to residents. The Thrift Shop and both Community Services Centres are now closed and most programs are suspended.
The Meals on Wheels program will continue, along with Emergency Assistance & Advocacy (by phone only), Seniors Advocacy Services (by phone only). Ministry clients can call about a drop-off/pick-up service for their report cards. The Homeless Prevention program will continue support for existing clients. All Child, Youth & Family programs and all other programs are suspended.
As the Thrift Shop is the main source of program funding, we are unsure how long we will be able to offer essential services to residents. If you would like to make a donation to SOS to help these services continue, please visit our website, www.sosd69.com or call 250-248-2093.
SOS will monitor guidelines from provincial and federal governments, and will reassess the situation on March 31. Until that time, staff will continue to maintain contact with senior clients to help them navigate these difficult times. Staff will also be answering phones to provide information and support to residents.
For more information, call SOS at 250-248-2093 or visit www.sosd69.com. Take care of yourselves and we look forward to seeing you on the other side of this pandemic.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the SOS Thrift Shop has been closed until further notice, and unfortunately, we are not able to accept any donations at this time. Please keep your donations and then drop them off to us when we are able to reopen. As our lifeline and main source of program funding, we did not make this decision lightly and ask for community’s support at this difficult time. We will release an update on programming shortly. Thank you for your continued support of SOS and our community. Stay healthy and we will see you all soon.
Tax clinics take place at the SOS Community Services Centres from March 2 – May 14. Residents can book appointments for Mondays and Thursdays in Parksville, and Mondays and Wednesdays in Qualicum Beach. Once residents have all their paperwork, they can call SOS at 250-248-2093 to make an appointment at either location.
The SOS Income Tax program is for low-income individuals who are filing basic tax returns. This does not include complex individual returns or self-employment returns.
The program works in conjunction with the Revenue Canada Community Volunteer Income Tax program. Trained SOS volunteers will be filing the taxes electronically at SOS.
The income guidelines for people who can access the program, set out by Revenue Canada, are $35,000 annually for a single person, $45,000 for 2 people, $47,500 for 3 people and $50,000 for 4 people.
After May 14, residents can still get their taxes done at SOS, dependent on volunteer availability. For more information call SOS at 250-248-2093 ext 229.
On Feb. 22 we are walking to help improve the homeless situation right here in Oceanside. Consider supporting our team, SOS and Friends, by making a donation, or by joining our team! Together we can make a difference. Our thanks to Island Crisis Care Society for hosting this event. #unityincommunity
