The Champlain Seniors Service Club is looking for a few good men.
“We are an active group of retired seniors who strive to give back to their community,” said club president Bob Bowles.
For many years, the club’s membership has been about 100-strong. But that number is currently down to about 85 and Bowles is hoping for a resurgence.
“Our membership is older and, unfortunately, we lose several each year who pass away,” he said. “We need newer, younger senior men that are looking to have fun and help their community.”
Bowles said the group’s mandate is to subscribe to the ideals of benevolence, loyalty, community service, patriotism and good citizenship, and the advancement of spirituality, goodwill and justice within the community and across the world.
Volunteer service to a wide spectrum of worthy causes, both local and national, is the first obligation of membership, he noted.
According to the group’s website, “members subscribe as well to the value of programs which foster enlightenment, provide entertainment, encourage camaraderie and promote mutual support as an important therapeutic aid to those coping with the challenges of aging.”
The group meets each Tuesday morning in the Vimy Lounge at Orillia’s Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 34).
“Each week, we have guest speakers on topics of concern or of special interest,” said Bowles. “You can visit us at any meeting, feel our friendly handshake, sing a few golden oldies, and hear a few good stories and several bad jokes.”
The Tuesday morning meetings are always highlighted by the Music Makers, the club’s house orchestra that provides the soundtrack for get-togethers. “It’s about friendship and fellowship,” said Bowles.
While Bowles has been involved with the active club for seven years, the Champlain Seniors Service Club was formed in 2004 by former members of the Kiwanis Club of Champlain Golden K of Orillia.
Since Day 1, the club members have supported community causes. “The club has always been involved in helping our community,” said Bowles. “We volunteer our time on weekends and at special events to help other not-for-profit organizations with their events and fund-raising.”
If you are a senior that wants to meet others and enjoy a weekly social time that is also educational and enlightening and have a desire to help the community, Bowles would love to hear from you! For more information about the club, visit champlainseniors.ca or email [email protected]
