Our Story

Seniors’ 5th Avenue Activity Centre 1948 – 2016

The 5TH AVENUE SENIORS’ ACTIVITY CENTRE is centrally located just a few blocks from the downtown core in beautiful Salmon Arm, British Columbia.

Our current facility was originally constructed in 2000 and the centre now boasts over 700 members who regularly take part in almost any activity unique to seniors.

The centre is completely run by volunteers, from the office staff to the kitchen facility to the board of directors.   All of the activities which include; table tennis, pool, bridge, crib, canasta, dance, exercise classes, darts, floor curling and a very popular Friday morning Sing-a-long are coordinated by seniors who take the time to make the 5th Avenue Seniors Activity Centre a very special place for fellowship and recreation.

Our mission statement also includes the preparation, cooking and serving of daily home style three course meals at a special member price, served in our dining room. These weekday lunches serve as the main meal for a number of seniors and provide not only good nutrition but also valuable social interchange among fellow seniors, whether new to the community or alone.  Once a month members and friends are invited to a birthday lunch where seniors again have the opportunity to meet and socialize with fellow seniors and make new friends. Our annual  Christmas banquet  features a top notch turkey feast which  is usually sold out within days of its announcement.

Thanks to the efforts of the Board of Directors and the good graces of the municipal, provincial and federal governments we are constantly upgrading and renewing our facility.

A new roof, new flooring, painting, signage, and kitchen appliances have all been replaced in the last few years to enhance the enjoyment and safety of our members.

The auditorium, with it’s stage and sound system, is a first choice in the local community for wedding receptions, meetings, memorials, car shows and annual garden shows.

New members and prospective rentals are always welcome to stop in.  Enjoy a cup of coffee and check out our Centre.   Pick up a monthly calendar of events.   Our office staff is in attendance September through June from 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday and will be happy to show you around.

Small steps and hard work lead to success!

• 1948 – Group of seniors meet at Parish Hall. Raffle held at Fall Fair to raise funds.
• 1968 – Known as Golden Age Seniors, group given space in Health Centre, Fletcher Park.
• 1976 – Seniors move to Scout Hall.
• 1976 – Building Fund started with book and bake sale.
• 1985 – Annual Meeting adopted a constitution and bylaws.
• 1987 – Golden Agers press for move to Health Unit.
• 1988 – Golden Agers become part of British Columbia Seniors Association and are officially known as Branch #109. Moved back to Health Unit in Fletcher Park. New Health Unit being constructed near hospital.
• 2000 – Extensive fund raising & assistance from municipal, provincial & federal governments, generous donations from local businesses & individuals.
• 2001– Senior Centre at 170 – 5th Avenue S.E. built and open for business to be known as Seniors’ Activity Centre, Branch 109.
• 2002 – Official opening of our current facility.
• 2004 – Burning of Mortgage as our centre is now debt free
• 2006 – Membership tops 700 paid members.
• 2016 – Centre continues to be run by volunteers, under the direction of a ten member board of directors elected by the membership. Activities seven days a week. Rentals to outside interests supplement income upon availability. Nourishing full course noon-day meals served Monday to Friday, prepared and served by member volunteers.

Mission Statement

The purposes of the 5th Ave Seniors Activity Centre Association are:

• To operate and maintain a Senior Citizens Activity Centre
• To assist people with disabilities of old age including the provision of facilities for activities and recreation for Seniors
• To provide public amenities for the benefit of seniors of the local community
• To provide reasonably priced and nutritious lunches for seniors

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