WANDERING RIVER — Seniors in the northern hamlet of Wandering River were treated to a home-cooked meal, handmade wine, and a larger-than-life cheque on Nov. 2, thanks to the generosity of the Wandering River Friends of Emergency Services Society.
Sixteen guests gathered in the hamlet's Seniors Drop-In Centre on a chilly Saturday evening while snowflakes fell to form a soft white blanket on the ground outside.
Inside, long-time neighbours shared anecdotes and stories like they would during any typical Tuesday evening spent in the centre enjoying cards, cake, and coffee. But what made Nov. 2 different was the presence of a giant cheque in the sum of $5,000.
“It means a lot, because we want to keep the building and the people active in the community,” said Doug Hankinson, president of the drop-in centre, after receiving the cheque from Roxanne Snegirev with the Friends.
Hankinson said the donation will go a long way in helping the centre with general utilities costs and will also go towards upcoming maintenance projects.
“One of the biggest expenses we’ve got coming up in a year or two is new shingles,” said Hankinson.
“This building is getting fairly old, and it’s always needed for upgrades — people have talked about changing the windows, but I think the shingles are more important right now than the windows and the new deck.”
Snegirev, who has lived in the Wandering River area for her entire life, said the donation is a way of giving back to the community she and many users of the centre have deep connections with.
“It’s a small community, you get close-knit, you know everybody,” said Snegirev, who noted the centre is a resource for all residents, especially as they age. “If you plan on living here, you’ll be using it!”
The Friends raised funds over the course of the year through casinos and other initiatives like garage sales, efforts which raised approximately $30,000. With a mandate dedicated to supporting non-profit and community groups, the Friend’s donation to the centre is aimed at keeping the facility’s status as a gathering place status quo.
“We’re trying to give them a helping hand, some encouragement, and help for paying to keep the lights on,” said Snegirev.
Long-time drop-in centre members Jackie and Ron St. Jean make the trip to the centre every Tuesday, a tradition they’ve kept up for years. The St. Jeans and others present were all adamant the support from the Friends will go a long way in ensuring their Tuesday night plans.
And while the centre is a hub for the 15 members in the area, Hankinson said their doors are open to anyone, not only seniors, looking for camaraderie in the community.
“We have trouble getting members because a lot of the people that should be here, they’re not old, they’re not seniors — even if they are 65 years old,” said Hankinson with a laugh.
Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Wandering River Drop-In Centre can contact Hankinson or his wife, Kay, the St. Jeans, or any other existing member for more information.
