Annual General Meeting
District 69 Society of Organized Services
Annual General Meeting
Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 7 pm
SOS Child, Youth & Family Centre
245 West Hirst Ave, Parksville
Making a difference with friends and colleagues
Thanks to a team of volunteers from Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre and RBC Royal Bank of Canada in Parksville for volunteering at the SOS Thrift Shop on May 28.
Luke Nixon-Janssen and his team members from Tigh-Na-Mara were joined by Kevin Gillanders and his team members from RBC. The volunteers tagged and priced items, brought merchandise to the floor and helped at the cash desks.
The volunteer opportunity is part of SOS’ Community Partner Initiative, where members of a business or organization come together to volunteer for a shift at SOS. Over 80% of SOS funding comes from the Thrift Shop, enabling SOS to offer more than 30 programs and services, mostly free, to residents of all ages in District 69. Thank you for supporting our community!
Free Babysitting Course May 13 at SOS
Joan Le Moine Honoured by the Province
Joan LeMoine has devoted a significant amount of time to SOS and the residents of the Parksville Qualicum Beach region for the betterment of our community. That’s why she was honoured on March 31 with the province’s newest honour, the Medal of Good Citizenship, by Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell, who is the Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation, on behalf of Premier Christy Clark.
“We’re thrilled that Joan was honoured in this way,” said SOS Assistant Executive Director, Susanna Newton. “Joan has a very recognizable face at SOS, having volunteered tirelessly for many years on the SOS Board and in other capacities, and she’s well respected around the community for all the good work she does.”
The Medal of Good Citizenship “through exceptional long-term service, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their communities without expectation of remuneration or reward. The medal reflects their generosity, service and acts of selflessness and contributions to community life.”
At SOS, Joan was on the SOS Board from 1997 to 2004, serving as President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President and Past President. She also volunteers in the SOS Caring for Kids at Christmas program and at special events.
Joan has also volunteered for Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock Fundraising campaign, Branch 49 of the Royal Canadian Legion, Tim Hortons Camp Day fundraising campaign, helping children with special needs, with the Oceanside Community Safety Volunteers and at Coffee with Council.LeMoine was also instrumental in establishing the Parksville Beach Festival Society.
“Joan LeMoine is a real unsung hero, having selflessly given her time and talents to causes that have made Parksville a better place. I can’t think of a more deserving recipient of the Medal of Good Citizenship,” Minister Michelle Stilwell said in a press release.
Christy Clark was also quoted in the press release, praising Joan.
“Joan LeMoine is a real unsung hero, having selflessly given her time and talents to causes that have made Parksville a better place. I can’t think of a more deserving recipient of the Medal of Good Citizenship.”
Photos Courtesy BC Government
(Home page Photo) Parksville citizen Joan LeMoine (bottom right) was honoured with the Medal of Good Citizenship by Parksville-Qualicum MLA and Cabinet Minister, Michelle Stilwell on March 31. Former Parksville mayor Chris Burger (back left) Parksville Mayor Marc Lefebvre also attended the ceremony.
(This Photo) MLA Michelle Stilwell with Joan LeMoine.
Are you missing out on benefits?
Local seniors may be missing out on government benefits.
Upcoming seminars at SOS in Parksville and Qualicum Beach will provide much needed information on the subject.
SOS is hosting two free seminars, one at the SOS Child, Youth & Family Centre in Parksville on Wednesday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the other at SOS in Qualicum Commons on Thursday, April 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The seminars will provide information to seniors on available federal government programs.
Registration is required as seating is limited. Please call 250-248-2093 ext. 239 to book your space. The SOS Child, Youth and Family Centre in Parksville is located at 245 Hirst Avenue West in Parksville, and in Qualicum Beach at 744 Primrose Street.
For more information on SOS visit www.sosd69.com or follow SOS on Facebook at facebook.com/sosd69.
STAR program helps residents rent successfully
The Star Program at SOS gives residents the skills they need to rent homes sucessfully. The program’s name stands for Supporting Tenancy through Action and Resources and was created by the Nanaimo Women’s Centre.
This is the second year the program has been running at SOS, where participants learn about budgeting, tenancy rights and living with others. The Spring workshop takes place May 24-27 at SOS in Parksville.
Adults 19 and older are welcome to participate. Upon completion, a certificate is issued. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided. Call 250-248-2093 ext. 241 to register.
