Countless people trickled through the doors of the Sparwood Seniors Drop In Center during their open house and unveiling of the buildings renovations and upgrades. The project has been in the works since May and numerous hours of planning and construction have went into it. With many donations and the Sparwood Seniors Society winning a $12 500 donation from the East Kootenay Community Credit Unions Community Award, the project was hugely supported by the community and all were excited to see the transformation. The Seniors Center is not only used by seniors alone, many residents of Sparwood rent the space at a minimal fee for gatherings, parties and more making this project a benefit to the entire community.
Guests at the open house were all in awe and loved the new look and renovations. “From the front entrance with the new wheelchair access to the bright and sunny addition area, everything is so well done. We got everything we wanted done, and more,” says Bunny Mercereau, President of the Sparwood Seniors Society. The building renovations included a revised entrance way and complete wheelchair accessibility, a 33 by 24 addition which will be primarily utilized as a games room, a complete kitchen upgrade and much more. Renovations have also increased the allowed building capacity from 73 to about 125 occupants. Sparwood Mayor Lois Halko and Councillor Margaret McKie were in attendance and thought the renovations were excellent. “I can’t believe the tremendous changes that have happened in less than a year. The community really responded well to this project,” said Halko. “Everything is really nice, it will suit the Seniors needs really well,” commented McKie.
Guests were treated to snacks, fruit, squares and punch. Draws took place during the event and live music was played by seniors Bob Webb, Don Fisk and Phil Boytnick. The building was also fully decorated courtesy of Elk Valley Epic Party Planning and Rentals.
“We really just want to thank everyone who believed in us, and supported this project. We want to encourage the younger seniors to come on out, and keep alive what this Seniors Center is all about,” says Mercereau.
Mercereau would also like to remind residents to come on out to the Seniors Center on Monday’s from 9:30 till noon as they are fundraising by selling fresh homemade baking and cooking.
