The PWC is hosting Christmas at the 50+ Centre in Peachland: More than 100 people are expected to attend, plus volunteers will send another 15 meals to those who can’t make it in person.
“Let’s make sure no one spends the day alone,” says an email sent to The Phoenix from the PWC.
“This cherished event is made possible by 30 dedicated volunteers who give their time and hearts to shop and prepare the food, set up and decorate, plate and serve meals, entertain and spread holiday cheer, and clean up with smiles.”
A December 2 Open House! Here’s how you can help the PWC – as an individual or corporate donor, or perhaps a Legacy donation?
The Wellness Centre and the Peachland Food Bank share the same building. Here’s how you can help the Food Bank this time of year:
Judy Bedford runs the local food bank and has said anyone who needs help just needs to show up, no judgement.
“Just show up,” she said during an interview in June.
The Peachland Food Bank (4475 4th St) is open every Friday from 12 – 2:30pm and the second Saturday of every month, from 9am to 11:30 am. You can also text (778) 594-6312 or send an email.
Here’s more info on how to give to the Peachland Food Bank.
***
The November 29 Christmas Craft Market in Peachland was a success! PWC volunteers hosted a gingerbread house competition as part of the fun downtown. More photos from the day.
The Peachland Wellness Centre has been nominated for a Peachland Business Award in the Community Excellence category! Award winners were announced November 15.
***
Deputy mayor / councillor / local musician Keith Thom died Nov 6.
***
The Wellness Centre is starting to plan their annual Christmas community dinner. These events require a lot of volunteer and financial support, so the decision was made to do the next Thanksgiving dinner in 2026:
Want to volunteer? Send the PWC an email
***
Time for some Fall programming, starting with this chair yoga class every Monday:
A ladies’ coffee group:
And a bereavement group, too:
Join the Peachland Wellness Centre team as a volunteer!
***
The PWC’s fundraiser at the Edgewater Aug 22 was a big success! A couple photos from their Facebook Pg:
***
Here’s a Coffee and Cards trio, enjoying their time at the PWC July 15:
The Peachland Wellness Centre provides programs and services that help seniors, their supporters and families lead happy and healthy lives. From coffee and cards to bereavement programs, special guest facilitators, community gardens, Tai-Chi, the famous Jerry Dober breakfasts, there’s lots of opportunity to take part – and even volunteer or donate, allowing these programs to continue!
***
The PWC is working with the Chamber of Commerce and Peachland Classic Car Show on a new funding program for families whose kids wish to take part in difference sports, wellness and artistic activities. That stuff is expensive! Apply for assistance here.
***
The Peachland Wellness Centre is at 4475 4th St – and shares space with the Peachland Food Bank.
☎️ (250) 767-0141
The PWC is open Monday – Thursday 9am – 3pm. The Food Bank is open every Friday from 12 – 2:30pm and the second Saturday of every month, from 9am to 11:30 am.
You can support the PWC by donating, volunteering, or through a corporate sponsorship or legacy contribution.
In June, PWC volunteers kicked off their annual Walk for Wellness!!
What else is going on at the PWC? They have a new website!
2024:
A new statue in the PWC’s garden, beside the yellow schoolhouse. This was a joint effort between the PWC and the PCAC. I wrote about this statue when councillors approved it in March. The official unveiling was July 6. Artist Lynden Beasley did the metal portion (it’s a 2018 design) and Annabel Stanley’s woven art is on top:
The Walk for Wellness has wrapped up! There were 11 teams of 59 participants. The Peachland Lions provided a bbq lunch. Photos are from the PWC’s Facebook pg:
***
We live in the perfect vacation spot – so that’s the theme of this fundraising raffle from the PWC. Tickets are $100 each and the draw date is August 26.
***
The Walk for Wellness annual fundraiser wraps up July 6:
Town Crier Bruce Klippenstein and LindaLea Klippenstein welcomed everyone to the official kickoff May 6:
What is this all about? You can form a team (there’s nine registered so far) or sign up solo. Register online – and then collect pledges while making a commitment to walk as much as possible! Last year’s event raised almost $17,000 for the PWC’s various programs and services.
***
The Peachland Wellness Centre has a new Executive Director! Milly Marshall has joined the team.
***
The PWC hosted a cleanup party to kickstart their intergenerational garden project April 7. Master Gardener Darlene Romanko was there to answer any questions. For more info, call Heidi at the PWC – (250) 767-0141 or email heidi.s.pwc@outlook.com
The PWC is also working on sprucing up the meditation garden near the entrance to their 4th St. building. And councillors recently approved the PWC’s plan for a sculpture at the community garden at the historic yellow schoolhouse.
***
The PWC has a new board of directors. From their Facebook page:
The PWC’s calendar of programs and services
***
***
On May 1, 2024 The PWC is hosting a Business Made Social! This is organized by the Peachland Chamber of Commerce.
***
***
From 2023:
Christmas Day – a Peachland tradition (image is from the PWC’s Facebook pg)
***
Peachland’s Craft-Extravaganza was a big success, thanks to PWC volunteers and others in the community!
More pics from the Nov 25 craft sale
***
Friendly Visitors, Parkinsons’ and Diabetes support…the Peachland Wellness Centre has a lot going on lately. Check out their website for a full list of programs and services.
***
In October, a long-standing PWC came back – the Jerry Dober Sunday Breakfast! The tradition was started back in 2002, when the late Mr. Dober noticed there were many Peachlanders who could use an affordable, homestyle breakfast. It soon evolved into a Sunday morning that welcomed everyone to the PWC! And so it continues.
***
Check out the PWC website for a full schedule of Fall programs and services…
**
The PWC hosted a full house for Thanksgiving Dinner Monday, October 9. This took place at the 50+ Centre. Photo is from the PWC’s Facebook pg:
What was on the menu? on the menu? Roast turkey, gravy and stuffing, mashed potato, mixed veggies, dinner roll, and pumpkin pie of course. Tea and coffee was also served.
***
Too early to mention Christmas? Well, some people are excited, because vendor spots for the PWC-organized Peachland Christmas Craft Fair, are sold out! The event takes place Saturday, November 25 from 9am – 3 pm. Wander around downtown, visiting a variety of locations with all sorts of arts, crafts and goodies.
***
The PWC is working on intergenerational, community gardens! Here’s a story I wrote in July – in early September, work started on a special garden, beside the Peachland Visitor Centre:
***
PWC volunteers went above and beyond for fire evacuees this summer. This is what president Kym Martin has to say:
More on the McDougall fire response here
“The PWC offered that evacuees drop-in anytime to get out of the smoke, use our wifi, come in for coffee, snacks and conversation. Leslie McKellar (PWC volunteer extraordinaire) offered to do laundry for evacuees as well. She had some folks take her up on her kind offer.
The PWC, Foodbank and The Boys and Girls Club hosted a hot meal. Chilli-filled crockpots were brought down to the Community Centre banquets room. We served chilli, buns, snacks/cookies and treats. The Boys and Girls Club hosted games, face-painting and henna in the gym for the kids.
We were very happy to serve 45 hot chilli meals on that evening.
District Staff (Cory Labrecque) and the Mayor, have been checking-in with the evacuees pretty much everyday as well. They too have been tremendous.
And finally, you need to also be aware that members of our incredible community also opened their homes offering showers, hot meals and comfort to evacuees. We heard from evacuees personally that Peachland was an incredible, caring and compassionate town. They were grateful for the care and nurturing they received here.
My goodness I love this community. ❤️”
-photo from the PWC
***
Shaken but not Stirred – that’s the name of the PWC’s Parkinsons Support group – and organizer Barrie Hewer says there’s some interesting info from Dr. Ray Dorsey, a Parkinson’s expert who says it’s the fastest-growing brain disease. More info here
The Shaken but not Stirred group hosted an event Aug 9 in Heritage Park.
“We want to invite people to come down and get to know what they can gain by being part of a support group.” He says those with Parkinsons – and their caregivers are both welcome, and PWC has programming for both. Check out the PWC website for more info.
***
Wrapping up the Walk For Wellness and celebrating the PWC’s new home at 4th St. Place on July 8!
***
On May 26, they said good bye to their longtime home on 5th St. Here’s the story I wrote:
…the move also involved some serious volunteer effort! According to the latest PWC newsletter, when it came time to move everyone came together, notably with their new community / intergenerational garden project! More on that here.
***
The PWC’s Walk for Wellness campaign is officially underway – and on Monday, May 15 teams and individuals gathered for a walk from Bliss towards downtown! Their goal is to reach $15,000!
The Town Crier and Mrs. Crier welcomed everyone before heading out.
***
***
Walk For Wellness, Peachland! That was the message from the PWC’s Geoff Trafford who challenged Mayor Patrick Van Minsel and councillors to walk for pledges that will help the PWC with its fundraising efforts.
“We want this community to be well and we want to contribute to that,” he said during the April 18 council meeting.
Stay tuned for chances to walk and talk with your elected officials – you can sign up here.
***
Here’s some contributed articles!
July 10, 2023: Peachland community, you have given the PWC so much over the last 60 days by supporting our WALK FOR WELLNESS. From the kick off event back on May 15th when so many of you came out, the Town Crier did his announcement and we all made our way along Beach Avenue…. to the Final wind up party and Open House on July 8th. You have all been incredible.
We want to make a few special thank yous, first to our Board of Directors who stood behind the project, provided advice, ideas, and cheers. Second to our Mayor and members of council, Keith Thom, Rick Ingram, and others who supported behind the scenes. To the Lions, the Legion, and Ste Margaret’s who gave us time, donated heartily and were generally there for the things we needed to make our event a success. Bruce and Lindalea Klippenstein, who, if you live in Peachland you know as the Town Criers, were the front of our event. They got us started on May 15th and led the party at our new 4th Street home. To all those who contributed in so many ways and whom I have not mentioned we THANK YOU.
Congratulations to the Cookie Chicks with Walking Sticks, the team that inspired us every step of the way. They embody our vision for the walk. You walk for your wellness, you walk for our community and you walked for PWC. The team brought their spirit and enthusiasm to the walk. Their belief in what we do at PWC created an environment for success.
We hope that you have benefitted from our event, we have, and we will be back next spring, when the ice thaws and we spot those early walkers testing the paths, some with their super dogs, some just out in the woods doing their thing.
Thank you!
Geoff Trafford, Executive Coordinator Peachland Wellness Centre
***
June 27, 2023: This is commitment and you have to give these two credit for creativity. You may have seen them at the café with the Mayor, one of our team leaders, at the Groovy Tuesday holding down the Unicorn in the windstorm this week and you will see them at the JULY 8th OPEN HOUSE. We hope to see you there for our special day, the wind up of the WALK FOR WELLNESS and the PWC OPEN HOUSE.
June 20, 2023: She walks everyday, she walks dogs lent by her holidaying family and today we saw her walking her monkey troop..yes a monkey troop! These monkeys will be seen at the July 1 Peachland parade and at the July 7th PWC Open House, (watch for the details). Not only does she walk for wellness, she supports us as a director of the PWC. She works with the HUB and she is part of our new and soon to be intergenerational gardening project. Is she worth your support for the Walk for Wellness? We think so!! Go to the PWC website if you do too and you can donate to a great cause and a great team… Nini’s Dreamers.There is a story behind the name but I leave that to Heidi to tell.
June 1, 2023: By Barrie Hewer, PWC volunteer and head of the Shaken but not Stirred Parkinson’s group.
Saturday last the PWC closed its 5th Street doors for the last time. But not before rescuing the donor tree and moving it et al to the new home at Fourth Street Place. The telephone remains the same the new address is 4475 4th Street, Peachland, V0H 1X6.
Our efforts to get together at a comfortable, suitable meeting place would not have been possible without the support of the PWC. Their administrative support and reputation in the community has made my (our) work to spread the word about PD and make our life easier in spite of PD has been a huge contribution.
The Walk for Wellness is our opportunity to say ‘Thank-you’. Check out their web site:
www.peachlandwellnesscentre.ca
Go to ‘Walk for Wellness’ then to ‘join a team’ and then click on our Team Shaken ‘go to page’ and see how we are doing. Tell your friends, sons, daughters, doctor, dentist, cousins, in-laws, and everyone you can. The Wellness Centre needs all of them to click on the ‘Donate to this Team’ button to help us to say Thank-you.
And to help the PWC continue its 22 years of community service.
If you have one, wear your Team Shaken hat and Walk for Wellness button, there is some one with a pocket full of prizes for people showing their participation in this very important PWC fund raising event.
Also have a look at the PWC Facebook for more ideas.
If you are going for a walk or roll or just a coffee … please call me … I’d like to join you, hats on.
Until then,
Shaken but not Stirred
May 18, 2023: By Tricia Schweers, PWC Services & Events Coordinator.
Hi I’m Tricia Schweers, Services and Events Coordinator at the Peachland Wellness Centre and team member of the Wellness Warriors.Join me on my mission to support the Peachland Wellness Centre! As I strap on my helmet for this walk/ride for wellness, I’m calling on all of my friends and supporters to help me reach my fundraising goals. If I’ve ever been there for you in the past, now is the time to return the favor and support a cause that is near and dear to my heart. Your donation, no matter how small, can make a big impact in the lives of those who rely on the Peachland Wellness Centre for vital services and support. And let’s not forget, I’m also a bit competitive and eager to beat out my fellow walkers in the fundraising race! So let’s show them what we’re made of and make a difference in our community. Donate now and let’s walk for wellness together!
May 3, 2023: By Geoff Trafford, PWC Executive Coordinator
So I am pretty new to the Peachland Wellness Centre and now, how I am not sure, probably I should thank Kym Martin our leader, and Tricia, Sherri, Pam, Kelly and Jacqui, all of them doing the things that PWC does, for recruiting me into the Executive Coordinator role. And now, I am on the hustings looking for support from YOU! So why are we Walking for Wellness…well I like the men and women who come into our place for cards, coffee and chat, I like that we can do services in the community without which the people who need help getting out and about would not be out and about and I really like that you can be part of a community that cares enough to support this stuff.
These connections make it worthwhile…so we want you to walk for wellness, it’s kind of catchy, you join up to support the Wellness Centre, you get to walk for wellness, your own, and you get to engage in building the community’s wellness with your support. I am on the Warriors team, I know the name is not that catchy, not like the Coffee Chicks with Walking Sticks but then again maybe better than one of the team names… well I don’t want to criticize but have suggested a name change… if you have ideas for name changes please send them to me. I think we should consider an award for the catchiest and coolest name.
If you want to support my team, if you want to join our team, great, don’t expect to be winning the catchiest name prize but as far as enthusiasm and commitment to Peachland…nothing compares. I sure hope we have your attention and support. Oh, and you may have heard that teams joining between now and kick off on May 15th will receive the coveted second edition button, and a chance at the BIG prize.
April 27, 2023:
The Cribbage Critters are putting down their crib boards for a good cause – the Walk for Wellness to raise money for the Peachland Wellness Centre. For these seniors, the PWC is an important resource that provides a great way to get out of the house and socialize with others.
But it’s not just about the social aspect. The Cribbage Critters also appreciate the treats and coffee that the girls at the PWC provide during their visits. More importantly, supporting the Peachland Wellness Centre makes them feel useful and like they are making a difference in their community.
As seniors, staying active and engaged is important for maintaining good health and well-being. The PWC provides a range of services and programs that promote just that. By participating in the Walk for Wellness, the Cribbage Critters are not only supporting the PWC but also taking care of themselves.
So come join the Cribbage Critters and support the Peachland Wellness Centre. Together, we can promote health and well-being in our community while enjoying some great treats and coffee along the way.
***
April 20, 2023:
Hi! I’m Kelly, Administrative and Program Coordinator at Peachland Wellness Centre. I am part of Team Wellness Warriors and I’ve decided to ride a bike for the PWC Walk for Wellness and it’s not just because I’m an avid cyclist with a penchant for spandex. No, the real reason is that my joint health isn’t what it used to be, and walking long distances can be a real pain in the…well, joints. But just because I have mobility issues doesn’t mean I can’t participate in this great event – I can adapt and if you have trouble with mobility, you can too! There are plenty of ways to get involved, whether it’s walking, riding a bike, using a scooter or wheelchair, donating, or even just cheering on the sidelines with a giant foam hand.
My personal goal is to ride 60 km per week and raise $500 during the course of the event, so if you see me out on the road, sweat dripping down my face, know that I’m not just doing this for my own fitness – I’m doing it for something much bigger than myself and if you’re able to support me in reaching my goals, whether it’s through a donation or just a word of encouragement or wave as you pass me on Beach Avenue, I would be incredibly grateful.
Join me in this all-abilities fundraising event and help PWC continue to provide programs and services to our community.
***
April 18 , 2023:
The Cookie Chicks with Walking Sticks are proving that age is just a number as they lace up their sneakers and hit the pavement for a good cause. This team of inspiring seniors, with an average age of 82, is participating in the Walk for Wellness to raise money for the Peachland Wellness Centre.
The Peachland Wellness Centre is a vital resource for seniors in the community, providing a range of services that promote health and well-being. For the Cookie Chicks, the PWC has been a lifeline, offering much-needed community service, socialization, and volunteer opportunities.
But it’s not just about giving back. The Cookie Chicks are also passionate about taking care of their own health and well-being. Walking for Wellness has provided them with a way to stay active, independent, and socially engaged.
These remarkable women are an inspiration to us all, reminding us that it’s never too late to make a difference and take care of ourselves. So whether you’re young or old, lace up your sneakers and join the Cookie Chicks with Walking Sticks in the Walk for Wellness. Together, we can support the Peachland Wellness Centre and promote health and well-being in our community.
Walking the Walk, April 4, 2023:
Here is a photo of Kym Martin & her favourite fellah Calvin. They love nothing more than to walk in the hills, among the trees, following deer trails and peeing on every bush they can. Ok, maybe just one of them likes the last part………
Whilst walking they spend time chatting about life’s big questions. They may not always agree on the answers, but they DO agree that they are happiest and healthiest when walking amongst the trees.
Rumor has it that Calvin is not the only friend Kym takes to the woods, to walk. With a good pair of shoes you too can establish a good constitution and walk for wellness with Kym. It is good for you and Kym has agreed to walk the walk and talk the talk about the Peachland Wellness Centre. Look for the PWC walk for wellness registration and sign up to walk with Kym. You never know what fun you can have in the woods, and what a view of the lake!!
***
Walking the Walk, March 2023
Spring is finally in the air so let’s put spring in your step. Walking has so many benefits for the mind and body, too many to list but a few include the prevention or management of heart disease, stroke high blood pressure cancer and type 2 diabetes, plus it is not a bad way to lose some winter weight, improve energy levels for your golf season and of course it will do wonders for you mood, attitude, cognition and sleep. We see people on the beach walk who are walking and chatting with friends, being dragged by their dogs and some just listening to music as they walk the walk. You may start out as an average walker, and then work your way up to walking faster and walking a mile in a shorter amount of time than an average walker, similar to power walkers. This can be a great way to get aerobic activity, improve your heart health and increase your endurance while burning calories. To be honest we haven’t seen any of these rare animals out there but maybe it’s a bit early in the season.You can also alternate periods of brisk walking with leisurely walking, see Rick, below, as an example. This type of interval training has many benefits, such as improving cardiovascular fitness and burning more calories than regular walking. Get up and get walking the beach, the sun is coming out and so should you. We bet the mayor and council will be out walking, Randey has been sighted walking the dog, toque on and not looking much like he’s walking for wellness, maybe he just needs to read this note to get the idea about the benefits. Rick walks but seems to take a few rests along his route, this is not ideal but walking is the main feature so good on ya mate. His walking could be a version of the interval walk, walk a bit, stop, talk and…then, walk some more Has anyone seen others out there, come on Patrick, come out and walk the walk for wellness.
***
An update on the PWC’s ‘Shaken But Not Stirred’ support group for those living with Parkinson’s. Thanks to PWC volunteer Barrie Hewer for sending this in!
Not Just A Support Group
The most recent meeting of the Peachland Wellness Centre’s Shaken But Not Stirred Parkinson’s (PD) support group featured a presentation by a professional in physical therapy. The exercises demonstrated were manageable, specific to the PD needs for balance and strength, and impactful for the control of PD symptoms. For PD, ‘Movement is Medicine’, but that is only one focus of this active group. Over the past months, meetings with professionals in nutrition, medicine, movement disorders, and others has created a team of Peachland professionals that offer their professional training to support our group efforts. The goal of this team is to make life with PD as healthy, comfortable, and rewarding as possible. You may have been Shaken by your PD diagnosis, but there is no need to let PD Stir up your life. For more information call the Peachland Wellness Centre at (250) 767-0141.
***
***
Lots of changes lately at the PWC. There’s a new executive director – in their latest newsletter, Geoff Trafford says volunteers are the PWC’s greatest asset. They’re working behind the scenes preparing fundraising events and of course the big move to 4th St., because of the new seniors housing building. (Read more on that here.)
Speaking of the move, you may be glad to know the painted peach tree – each fruit naming a volunteer – will make its way to the PWC’s new home. They’re also asking if you have a special memory of their little house on 5th St., to get in touch! Volunteers are putting together a special book of memories. Moving day is later this spring.
***
NEWS FROM 2022:
The annual Christmas dinner was a success! Thanks to Tricia Schweers for the photos. Here’s what she had to say:
“We held our Community Christmas Dinner today for 80 plus people who would have been alone today and additionally provided delivery to folks who weren’t quite ready to join us in person. A huge 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 to all our wonderful volunteers that helped us pull it all together. Merry Christmas 🎄”
Volunteers from the PWC, other groups and Peachlanders in general, always pitch in to make the annual community Christmas dinner a reality for those who would otherwise be alone on Dec. 25.
The Lions Club gave $1,000:
…and on December 21, TNI donated $1,000 to the PWC!
***
The annual Peachland Craft Fair and market on November 26 was a big success! More pictures here:
***
Finally, it’s going to happen! The End of Summer Gala – the PWC’s biggest fundraising event they put on, is planned for Saturday, September 24 at the Peachland Community Centre. An elegant three-course dinner is planned, along with musical entertainment (Marty Edwards and the Revival, along with Sister Act), and a silent auction, too! Tickets are $75 and available now, by clicking on this link. Proceeds from the evening will go towards supporting all PWC programs!
***
Did you know the Peachland Wellness Centre is hosting its first-ever FunDrive? What’s that? It’s a partnership with Value Village, and basically, it means you can drop off your gently-used clothes, toys and housewares at the PWC (4426 5th St.) any time between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. from Monday and Friday. This is a bit of a fundraiser for the PWC too, towards the Hub project! This runs until October, so you have lots of time to de-clutter!
***
Here’s the Peachland Wellness Centre staff and volunteers at the Canada Day parade! This photo is from the PWC Facebook page:
***
PWC volunteers were at the World of Wheels May 22! They manned the parking lot for the shuttle bus – with all proceeds doing to the Peachland Hub project!
***
The AGM is coming up!
Would you like to become a PWC member? Send $15 via etransfer to wellnesscentre@shaw.ca or call (250) 767-0141.
***
A volunteer picnic and a spring cleanup! PWC staff and volunteers have been busy lately! These photos are from the PWC Facebook page..
***
Easter weekend was great at the Wellness Centre! Susan Haglund and Henk Ruevekamp once again made the PWC’s Easter dinner possible. Volunteers packed up a delicious – and free! Easter dinner:
***
And here’s another upcoming event!
***
Thanks to the PWC’s Tammy Arishenkoff who sent along this info! Looks like March is turning out to be a busy one at the Wellness Centre!
A reminder that every Monday afternoon from 1-2:30 is the Ladies’ Monday Coffee Social at 4th St. Place. Men’s Coffee & Cards is Tuesdays from 1-3 pm at the Wellness Centre. On Thursdays, it’s back to 4th St. Place, where there’s Tai Chi for Wellness (from 12:15-2 pm) and from 2:30-4 pm, there’s a dementia caregiver support group that meets. On Fridays there’s a ladies’ cribbage and coffee group, too. You can read more on the PWC website!
***
Here are updates from 2021 and earlier..
The Peachland Wellness Centre says so many people are stepping up to help with their annual Christmas Day dinner, they’ve had to turn away volunteers!
And this isn’t unusual. According to the PWC’s latest newsletter, it happens almost every year.
“We are extremely thrilled to know that people will have Christmas dinner and a gift, all thanks to outstanding donors and volunteers,” says the PWC’s Christina MacMaster. She explains volunteers are cooking the meal, which will also be delivered by volunteers to peoples’ homes.
The annual Christmas dinner was a tradition started almost ten years ago now, by Ted and Donna Cave. They, along with local community groups, keep the generosity going every year.
If you want to feel really Christmassy today, the PWC will be open (4426 5th St.) so the kids can shop! Items are priced as low as ten cents, so you’re bound to leave with something! You can also warm up with some hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies. This is all today (Saturday Dec. 18) until 2 p.m.!
***
The annual Christmas dinner that’s put on by PWC volunteers is off to a great start. In the course of one week, two different community groups have stepped up to help make the meal possible! Here, Steve Sweeney from the Peachland Lions Club hands over a cheque for $500 to the PWC’s Christina MacMaster.
And the Peachland Recovery Task Force has donated an unknown amount to the PWC in the name of Elizabeth Varjassy, who sadly passed away in early December. She was a well-known Peachland volunteer (you may know her best as Mrs. Claus at Christmas events here over the years). Just last year, she put on her Mrs. Claus costume for the PRTF’s virtual gala.
“Elizabeth loved to volunteer and always ‘no matter what’, shared her beautiful smile with all of us,” said the Wellness Centre on their Facebook page..
***
The November 27 Christmas Craft market was a big success! More than 1,500 people wandered through the community centre, United Church, PWC, visitor centre and the little schoolhouse – and the PWC raised more than $5,200 to support its programs and services! Thanks to all the volunteers, including the high school students from Mount Boucherie Secondary!
Once again, PWC volunteers made a holiday meal happen. Thanks to generous donors, volunteers made a full roast beef feast for Peachlanders, for free this Thanksgiving.
***
Are you having trouble figuring out your BC vaccine card? The PWC wants to help! Make an appointment and show up at the centre (4426 5th St) and staff can set you up – just have your Personal Health Number, your vaccination dates and your cell phone with you!
***
It’ll be more of a Welcome to Spring kind of gala – The Wellness Centre is postponing their annual End of Summer fundraiser due to the latest round of COVID restrictions. The event will go ahead in September, 2022! For updates, Check out the PWC website!
***
Yes, a different Canada Day in 2021, but it was still full of Peachland can-do! Kym Martin (in red) and Karen Read donated enough $ to provide a free picnic to 60 people who registered for lunch!
“We started around 10 am,” says the PWC’s Christina MacMaster (on the right). Ten loaves of bread, and a ton of cooked chicken, eggs and salad fixings were prepped in the PWC kitchen. The bags were then delivered all over Peachland.
***
A word on PWC programming – Christina says their current space – that cozy house on 5 St, doesn’t allow for social distancing for more than six people, so the District of Peachland has helped by letting the PWC use 4St Place nearby. Services such as Better at Home, Friendly Visitors and their grocery shopping service will continue, of course.
Here’s a list of what the PWC will now be offering. Attendance numbers will be limited so call ahead to confirm your attendance at any of the listed programs or services:
- Adult Day Service – PWC currently pays to rent space at the 50+ Centre to house this extremely valuable and needed community service.
- Bereavement Support Group – continuing in the PWC building Thursdays at 1:00 PM.
- Holiday Dinners – will be provided out of the PWC building for the next exciting July 1, 2021, Picnic Dinner, get your name on the list for this salad and sandwich meal.
- Community Gardens of course are in the backyard and looking beautiful and ready for the Art and Garden show on June 12, 2021.
- Computer Literacy – continues by appointment.
- PWC Tablet program is a new program funded by New Horizons for Seniors that will see seniors partnered with volunteers who will spend time teaching the use of tablets for connecting to loved ones and the community. Tablets will be supplied.
- Income Tax continued this year and has just wrapped up for 2021.
- Men’s Coffee and Cards – in the PWC building Tuesdays, starting June 15, 2021 at 1:00 PM.
- Monday Morning Coffee (Monday Coffee Social Support) too be held at 4th street place beginning June 7th at 1:00 PM.
- Tai Chi for Wellness – Heritage Park Thursdays, 10:00 AM
- Wellness Circle – going online in a zoom format.
***
About 800 people got a shot in the arm – a COVID vaccine shot, that is, during the mobile vaccination clinic planned by Interior Health and community partners June 9 and 10. The PWC’s Christina MacMaster says she isn’t sure how many first vs-second doses, “but clearly the majority through here in Peachland were second dose,” she told me in an email this morning.
“This pop up clinic system was very well done. From set-up to take down it was all very efficient. The teams travel together and know their roles well so all we had to do was direct those in the line up, give them information, and ensure they had been 28 days since their previous dose,” she said.
MacMaster adds Interior Health may be back for another pop-up clinic (which they’re doing right now in rural / underserved communities across the province).
“We will only get word with very short notice, so I’ll let you know as soon as I know,” she said.
Sounds like a plan!
Here’s what the lineup was like the morning of Thursday, June 10:
An April 19 message from Christina MacMaster:
I want to thank the staff we have worked with at the Interior Health Authority who have gone above and beyond to make a Peachland clinic happen. They, I am sure, struggle as much as the rest of us to work through things beyond their control. I also want to thank our Mayor, Cindy Fortin who has stayed on top of things for the people in Peachland. The staff at the Community Centre have also worked extremely hard fielding calls and preparing the space for the clinics. The staff here at PWC who I must say have been exemplary in their effort to support the community and help them to understand the issues of; yes, we have a clinic, oops, no we don’t, oh yes, we do, etc. The Peachland Fire Department Chief who steps up himself and with his crew to help others. And finally, the fabulous volunteers of the Peachland Wellness Centre. The admin volunteers who also have been responsive on the phones to the many questions about the clinics and the volunteers who worked the first clinic and arrived early for the second only to be turned away once it was determined the clinic would not happen that day to then agreeing to be present for the rebooked clinic. All of this for each of you! This is volunteer appreciation week so if you see a volunteer giving of their time, please remember to offer your gratitude.
Glitches in systems, to eventually make the process smoother, are always hard to deal with and we in Peachland have weathered this most recent process well.
***
Yes, the April 22 COVID vaccination clinic is happening – and as of the afternoon of April 16, those who are eligible can book their appointments. (For all the info on eligibility and appointments, visit the Interior Health COVID 19 website)
If you’ve been following along (here’s my blog from April 15), you know this week’s clinic didn’t happen, thanks to what Interior Health referred to in a press release as a “gap in our communication with the community centre.” You’ll also recall in that press release, there was no mention of an April 22 clinic in Peachland.
The words came as a surprise to the PWC’s Christina MacMaster because hours earlier, she had already announced the April 22 clinic, after confirming this with Interior Health officials. And based on that announcement, people started to book for Peachland – but the option wasn’t available. Fast-forward to this afternoon (April 16) and she was able to confirm that yes, the Peachland clinic is now available for those booking appointments.
***
Do you have an appointment at the Peachland vaccination clinic? Here’s what you can expect:
“There’s someone at the front door of the community centre who confirms your appointment and then there’s someone inside who greets you and gives you information to read and directs you to the registration table,” says Christina MacMaster, executive coordinator of the PWC.
“Then at the registration table, the nurses put in your Care Card number and all that kind of stuff. And then from there you go to a waiting area, so to speak, until a nurse is available and then the nurse waves when they’re available and we have volunteers who will walk you to the nurses’ table if you need assistance or just to direct you.
After your shot you go to another waiting area where you sit for about 15 minutes just to confirm you’re OK and then you go out the side door when you’re finished,” says MacMaster,
“It was a really smooth process.”
One added thing for the April 22 clinic – if you have District-related business, you can go through the main entrance, using the doors on the left-hand side.
Earlier, she said it’s possible over a quarter of Peachlanders could have their first dose of the vaccine. I talked to a few Peachlanders April 8. Here’s the news story I wrote
For all the info on eligibility and appointments, visit the Interior Health COVID 19 website (https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/covid-19-vaccines/)
***
April 7 update:
The phone number for the local COVID vaccine clinic has changed. Now, the number to call is 1-833-838-2323.
“We at PWC are sorry for the confusion around the phone numbers and getting registered for the vaccine,” says Christina MacMaster of the PWC.
“It is frustrating that they (the province) changed the process and phone number after only a couple of months. This change happening at the same time as adding the Peachland dates has made it very confusing for us and those we are helping. All we can do now is give people the new number and/or the info to register online and hope they get in.”
The clinic runs April 8 and April 15 between 8:30 to 3:30 at the Peachland Community Centre. It’s open only to those in the eligible age / health group, First Nations, and those who are clinically vulnerable (and have received a patient invitation letter).
Go to https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/covid-19-vaccines/ for more info.
Last night, Mayor Cindy Fortin had this to say about Peachland’s clinic:
“The squeaky wheel sometimes does get the grease and I’m really happy for residents of Peachland that they actually are able to get immunization here for now and we’ll keep pushing for (this) as the age groups go down and more and more people can be immunized. It’s just so very important.”
***
Tulips, warmer weather – and vaccinations. Yes, these times have been strange, stressful and sad, but spring is here and for the Peachland Wellness Centre, it’s finally time to start tentatively planning for one of their favourite events. They’re hoping they can make a go of their Third Annual End of Summer Gala, which of course was cancelled last year. It’s one of their biggest fundraisers, and volunteers are hoping to get it off the ground because the PWC could really use the support. September 25, 2021 is the tentative date, with an alternate date of next March, if pandemic concerns are still around.
Marty Edwards has already offered his singing voice, and there will be limited seating for a three-course dinner, and of course a dance afterwards. Imagine how fun that would be!
Tickets will be on sale soon, and the organizing committee is hoping locals will come forward. If you’d like to be a gala sponsor, you’ll automatically get your own table at the dinner for your family, friends or staff, and you’ll be on all the promotional material. If you have anything to offer in the way of a gift basket for the silent auction, please get in touch!
All proceeds from the gala, of course go towards the good work the PWC does in our community. You can find more about that by joining their email newsletter or checking out their website!
For more information about the gala or to preorder your tickets, contact the Peachland Wellness Centre at (250) 767-0141.
***
Speaking of spring, Easter is coming up, and Peachlanders Susan Haglund and Henk Ruevekamp have made a generous donation, allowing the PWC to host an Easter dinner! It’ll be set up in much the same way as the Christmas dinner (it will be pick up and delivery only.) If you want to reserve your free dinner, please call the Wellness Centre at (250) 767-0141 by March 26.
***
You can still be kind in these times – and especially on February 17. It’s Random Act of Kindness Day, and the Peachland Wellness Centre has some good ideas to spread that stuff everywhere! You can start by calling (like, on the phone 😉 a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in awhile. Make a nice cup of tea or coffee for someone you live with, send a funny text or meme to a friend, shovel your neighbour’s driveway or take in their bins – even spending some extra-present time with your kids / pets / partner is a way to be kind. You could even pay for the person behind you at Bliss and start a coffee kindness chain – or arrange for a friend or neighbour to delivery from one of our awesome Peachland restaurants! You make your friend happy, you’re helping local business – and the Peachland Recovery Task Force has a way you can win big because of it!
If you want to extend this kindness streak, why not consider volunteering? According to the PWC website, they’re always looking for volunteers – and yes, this is all done at a distance or virtually! You can help with the transportation service, grocery deliveries, friendly phone calls and administration positions. More info + sign up right here! You’ll be joining a great bunch of people 🙂
***
New hours for February! This month, PWC staff will be in the house Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They’ll be returning to being open five days a week come March, just in time for tax season 🙂
***
Soon it will be Seedy Saturday! The event is a little different this year, of course but it seems very convenient! You just order your (free!) seeds from their website, then head into Kelowna to pick them up during your allotted time on March 14! Check out this poster + bcseeds.org for more info on what this is all about.
***
Did you know the Wellness Centre has a new program? It’s called Friendly Callers and with some people feeling especially isolated right now, it’s exactly what’s needed. If you – or someone you know, is by themselves or in need of some social contact, a trained volunteer is happy to have a cheerful phone conversation. Everything is confidential, of course. Give the Wellness Centre a call or email to find out more!
***
From the left is PWC President Kym Martin, PWC Executive Coordinator Christina MacMaster, along with Henk Ruevekamp and Susan Haglund.
How generous is this? The Peachland Wellness Centre was so happy to receive this $1,000 cheque from Susan Haglund and Henk Ruevekamp.
It means the PWC can put on an Easter dinner this year, just like the socially-distanced Christmas dinner volunteers pulled off in 2020 (more on that below). The dinner is planned for April 4, 2021 – Easter Sunday.
***
Volunteers prepping meals for packing on Christmas Day.(photo from the PWC newsletter)
There was one important tradition that was NOT cancelled in 2020. For the past seven years, Ted and Donna Cave have made sure Peachlanders who are spending Christmas Day alone, get a hot, comforting meal. This year the meal wasn’t an in-person affair: A total of 42 volunteers were assigned to separate tasks: Cooking the meal, (turkey, dressing, potatoes, veggies, gravy, dessert) wrapping gifts, and packing up and delivering it all to 75 Peachland residents. This year, the Rotary provided the gifts, the Legion provided the kitchen and prep space (branch manager Nikki Montgomery was there bright and early!) The Peachland Wellness Centre would like to thank all the volunteers, along with local business Effective Printing for the promo posters. The day was a big success!
***
When life takes a turn for the worse, Peachland is the kind of place where people are willing to help. The Wellness Centre shared some of these stories for their 12 Days of Christmas campaign. They managed to add four more monthly donors, which helps people like Claire (not her real name). She was recently diagnosed with kidney failure. It was a stressful time, she said, and because she now had to be at Kelowna General Hospital three times a week for dialysis it was suggested she move away from her Peachland home, where she’s been for 15 years. Taxi rides are really expensive, and because Claire lives alone with no family nearby, she decided to reach out for help. Now, a friendly volunteer named Andrew (also not his real name) drives her into Kelowna for her appointments, and she’s beyond grateful:
“My life had taken a total turn. I really needed help. I am so thankful for the Wellness Centre. Not sure what I would have done without them.”
No matter the time of year, you can have a direct impact on helping someone in your community! The PWC website has all the details.
***
The Peachland Wellness Centre was one of four local groups who benefitted from the virtual gala recently hosted by the Peachland Recovery Task Force! Leading up to the big Dec. 4 event (which raised just over $12,400), I talked to the PWC’s Christina MacMaster about 2020 and their biggest challenges:
They’re the grocery shoppers (and deliverers), the friendly voice on the other end of the phone, and the masked drivers making sure local seniors get to needed medical appointments. Peachland Wellness Centre volunteers are adapting, but because the centre is based entirely on community connection, they’re facing some big challenges, says executive coordinator Christina MacMaster.
“Throughout this, we’ve been offering everything that we did before, but on a varied sort of process,” she says during a recent chat.
Basically, the Wellness Centre (which is housed in that little white and burgundy-trimmed house on 5 St.), provides social and support-type programs for local seniors and others who need it. Preventing isolation and making people feel part of the community is a huge part of what they do.
The Wellness Centre will be one of four recipients of the funds raised from this Friday’s Light Up Virtual Gala, being put on by the Peachland Recovery Task Force. MacMaster is says the money will ensure programming will continue as they deal with two of their biggest challenges right now:
“One of them, obviously is not being able to work face to face with people. So our services such as Friendly Visitors now are phone calls rather than visits,” she says.
Finding available space is becoming another big challenge, especially since winter started, and the province’s recent restrictions.
“The challenge of space continues,” she said to this reporter in an email yesterday. The 50+ Centre, which was housing the bereavement program among others, closed recently, leaving the PWC to figure out another way.
And without annual fundraisers like their End of Summer Gala and their participation in the weekend-long Christmas craft fair (which would have been this past weekend), MacMaster says they’re missing a big source of revenue.
Christina MacMaster with some of the Christmassy items for sale at the Wellness Centre – one way they’re able to raise funds.
“Our take home from those I think last year may have been around $18,000 and that helps with a lot of our programs and services,” she says.
“Not being able to do those kinds of fundraisers is huge for us.”
Fundraisers aren’t the only thing they’re dependent on. Grants are uncertain, too.
“We’re not in danger of shutting down or losing programs and services. But we are in danger of losing funds to cover all of our costs like staffing costs. Which might reduce our ability to provide the services we’re currently providing,” says MacMaster.
For example, she’s applying for Gaming funding from the province – but with casinos and 50/50 draws at hockey games gone this year, it’s unknown if the PWC – and other groups across the province for that matter, will get what they’re asking for.
It’s one reason MacMaster is thankful local groups are pulling together right now. Money raised from the gala and the silent auction – all organized by The Peachland Recovery Task Force – goes back to local groups. The Peachland Boys and Girls Club, The Peachland Wellness Centre, The Peachland Sportsmen’s Association and BEEPS are all having a tough year, and so with a $25 ticket to a night of online entertainment, you can have a fun night at home while supporting your fellow Peachlanders. Local restaurants are providing lots of dinner options, and you can pick up your meal (and in some cases have it delivered) right before the show.
MacMaster and her husband have their tickets. They’re thinking the turkey dinner option from Bliss is what they’ll order for their meal – and rather than the normal after-work comfies, she says she may decide to go more formal.
“I’m hoping that we’ll get dressed up and even though we’ll be in our living room, we’ll feel a sense of more festivity,” she says.
MacMaster adds that the biggest thing she wants Peachlanders to know is that by supporting the Wellness Centre, you’re letting local volunteers continue some really important work:
“There’s the social aspect – even if it’s just a Zoom meeting, I know they’re not great, but it’s still good to see other faces. That’s huge for people.”
“Also, not only do we have seniors in Peachland who don’t have vehicles anymore, but we have people who can’t get out because of all this. So knowing something like a transportation service is available, that’s huge. We become a lifeline to so many people in our community by doing that.”
***
Say hello to Rhonda Bergquist! She moved to the area last November and is the new administration coordinator for the Peachland
Rhonda Bergquist and Sherry Kendrick
wellness Centre. Actually, she started earlier this month, but today you could say the reins are being handed over – after eight years, Sherry Kendrick (right) is retiring. So, what’s the plan? Relaxing with her husband, Syd, Scrapbooking, learning Mahjong – and hopefully one day, travelling.
“Plus, I might join the Wellness Centre’s Monday morning coffee group,” she laughs.
Congratulations on new beginnings, ladies!
***
Do you have any small, gently used decor, or boutique-like items to donate? The PWC has a little shopping corner with nice things for people to purchase. If you have items to spare, please call (250) 767-0141 to arrange a drop-off time! They’re also accepting book donations.
***
Car seats are a necessary – and expensive part of parenting, and that’s why the Wellness Centre is happy to be working alongside the Child Safety Initiative, which is a partnership between the United Way, the Central Okanagan Foundation, the KGH Foundation and the Paul Docksteader Foundation. They’re providing car seats to local partners like the PWC, in limited quantities. If you, or anyone you know is in need of one, please call the Wellness Centre at (250) 767-0141.
***
The Wellness Centre would like to thank the Peachland Rotary for their generous donation of an automated external defibrillator (AED) which will now be kept on-site. Pictured here is Christina MacMaster, PWC Executive Coordinator holding the new device and Peggy Southin, past President of the Rotary Club of Peachland presenting a cheque for the AED, in the amount of $1,800.
***
It’s been a bright and sunny spot over the past couple months and this summer, the community garden at the Peachland Wellness Centre was in full bloom.
There’s 32 plots in the Wellness Centre’s backyard, and with a waiting list of 24 people, they’re hoping to add more in the future. Gardeners bring their own seeds, bedding plants and hand tools, and there’s an exchange bucket for people to trade any extras for what they need.
The centre’s Monday morning coffee group has been meeting in the garden lately, and Christina MacMaster says people are welcome to come visit, as long as they’re adhering to social distancing rules.
“It’s beautiful back there, and it just shows how the world carries on,” she says.
“We’re all living in these uncertain times and not knowing from day to day what’s going to be happening at work or otherwise and then you see what’s growing in the garden. It’s beautiful.”
***
Thirteen tablets – including two that are brand-new, were donated to the Wellness Centre between May and June. Even if you’ve never taken part in a PWC program and you’re in need of a device, the PWC can help. Call their office at (250) 767-0141. You can still donate a tablet if you’re able. These tablets will allow seniors (who are a majority of the PWC’s clients) to participate virtually in Wellness Centre programs, from coffee groups to singing, to whatever the demand may be going forward.
Do you want to help the PWC with a donation? You can go to the PWC donation page at CanadaHelps.org or send an etransfer to christina.pwc@outlook.com, or call the PWC and make arrangements to drop off your cheque or cash with one of our staff members. PWC has a safe drop-off site. Simply call the Peachland Wellness Centre at (250) 767-0141 before stopping by.
Also, check out their website and Facebook page!
**
See stories:
March 19 Wellness Centre adds delivery service, changes hours to serve Peachlanders
March 18: District of Peachland, Wellness Centre close doors but can still help public
March 16: Volunteers needed to help Peachland seniors shop amidst COVID-19 concerns
You must be logged in to post a comment.