Gearing Up for More Fundraising Fun!

Our Sooke community, fundraisers and volunteers have raised an impressive $99,620.33! We're still a long way from our goal. Stay tuned for many other opportunities to get involved in helping us raise the $2M needed to build this important community space!

If you wish to help us build Sooke Gathering Place, please donate online by clicking on the button below OR make a cheque payable to Sooke Region Communities Health Network and specify Sooke Gathering Place in the memo. 

Mail cheques to SRCHN, PO Box 642 Sooke BC, V9Z 1H6Or drop off at 204-2120 Church Rd, Sooke 

VOLUNTEERS WANTED!

We are always looking for volunteers to help facilitate a range of social, recreational and educational programs. Do you have a topic you are passionate about that you would love to share? Do you feel comfortable facilitating social group calls? Please contact our Programs Manager for more information at programs@sookeregionchn.org or call 778.365.1878

Current Seniors' Issues with BC Seniors' Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie
When: Wed, March 22, 2023, 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Where: Zoom
Host: Isobel Mackenzie, BC Seniors' Advocate
Description: Isobel Mackenzie, BC Seniors Advocate addresses issues that affect seniors in BC and the role of the Office of the Seniors Advocate. Don't miss out! Questions will be taken, so this is your chance to get your word in.

Register for the online link: 

www.sookeregionchn.org/seniors-centre-without-walls. If you wish to join by telephone: to get the correct number please call the SRCHN office in advance 778-365-1878
 

East Sooke Handicrafts

When: March 28th and April 11th. The meetings are for seniors, 60+. Current Covid-19 vaccinations are required. For more info, contact eastsooketogether@gmail.com 
Where: East Sooke Community Hall
Description: Join the handicrafts group at East Sooke Community Hall. Bring your projects, show them off and socialize with your neighbours.

Supporting Community as We Age
BC Community Response Network (BC CRN) presents a series of important topics with the aim to prevent elder abuse. This series is open to all, elders and those in contact with them.
When: Thursdays from 1:00 to 2:30 as we cover these critical topics.

1. Hoarding, Bent but NOT Broken:
Thurs, March 30 - 1:00pm to 2:30pm
It is estimated that 1 in 20 people have some level of hoarding or serious clutter behaviour. This means in Greater Victoria alone - there are over 11,000 homes being affected. This can pose a significant danger to individuals, homes, first responders and the community at large. Hoarding & Clutter behaviour are on a spectrum and simply collecting or owning lots of things doesn't always mean HD. Let's delve into this topic and explore the many facets of clutter behaviour. Let's get your questions answered together.

2. Frauds & Scams
Thurs, April 6 - 1:00pm to 2:30pm

Do You Know Who's Really on the Other End of the Phone? Financial abuse is the most common form of elder abuse in Canada. $530 Million was lost to fraudsters in 2022.

Join us to explore different types of frauds and scams, and why seniors are the most targeted and also the most vulnerable. You'll also learn how to recognize a scam and what to do if you become a victim. Protect yourself! 

3. See Something, Say Something
Thurs, May 4 - 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Reducing Risk for Older Adults program (formerly known as the Gatekeeper program) is designed to help identify high-risk adults, particularly those who live alone and who may be isolated. Everyone can play an important role in the community in keeping others safe, secure, and independent.

4. It's Not Right , Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults
Thurs, June 15 - 1-2:30pm (World Elder Abuse Awareness Day)
It's Not Right! Neighbours, Friends & Families for Older Adults program is geared towards everyday people, residents, neighbours, family members, and friends of adults and older adults. The program discusses ageism, identifies the warning signs of adult abuse, and offers support and resources to help keep each other safe.
This session is for anyone who has contact with older or vulnerable adults: Bank personnel, meter readers, volunteers, caregivers, drivers, pharmacy personnel, post office workers, letter carrier, restaurant personnel, grocery store clerks, churches, social club -INCLUDING YOU!
Register to attend these online sessions. Click Here 
 

SOOKE REGION LIFELING LEARNING

Art As Therapy

When: Thursday, March 30 from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Where: Sooke Library Common Room (in person only)
Maximum attendees 15
Leader: Sheila Thomas

Local artist Sheila Thomas was planning a tour of Vancouver Island in her refurbished art bus/studio (Sheels On Wheels) when the pandemic hit in 2020 and slammed the brakes on that idea! She fled to the woods and continued offering art workshops closer to home, including sponsored sessions for our valued and stressed health care workers. She saw how the outdoor classes -- with paint, trees and sunshine (plus ice cream sandwiches!) helped these people explore and benefit from a creative form of emotional healing. And that's how it all began.

Description: Come let Sheila show you what art can do for your heart, and how colour, texture and playing with paint can boost your mood, dazzle your frazzle and feel like a good old healing hootenanny!

To Register for This Event Email Us Here

The Psychology of Dogs

When: Thursday, April 13 from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Where: Sooke Library common room (and Zoom hybrid
Maximum registration 15 in person (no limit zoom)
Leader: Linda Watson
Linda Watson is Sooke’s very own “Dog Whisperer,” having trained in LA with the renowned Cesar Millan. She knew from that moment that cuddly canines were her future. She came back home to build Connected Canine, and now works exclusively with rescuing, rehabilitating, training and pack-walking dogs daily. Plus she is always fund-raising for good causes. She’s a busy gal!
Description: All relationships, including the ones we have with our furry friends, benefit from understanding and effective communications.

Come hear Linda share her hard-earned doggy tips and glory stories, and bring your questions and curiosity. Every dog deserves a good human, and the joy of an earned bond is undeniable.
To Register for this Event  Email Us Here

SRLL BOOK CLUB
"THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS" by Rebecca Skloot
Sessions: 2
When: Tuesdays, May 2 (discussion) and May 9 (Movie) from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Where: Sooke Library common room (In-person only)
Max registration: 15 book club copies
Covid requirements: Masks optional
Leaders: David Mallett SRLL and April Ripley VIRL
Description: Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor black tobacco farmer who died of cervical cancer and whose cells—taken without her knowledge in 1951—became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, and more. Henrietta's cells have been bought and sold by the billions, yet she remains virtually unknown, and her family can't afford health insurance. This phenomenal New York Times bestseller tells a riveting story of the collision between ethics, race, and medicine; of scientific discovery and faith healing; and of a daughter consumed with questions about the mother she never knew. The focus will be on personal rights, ethics, racism, remuneration and compensation for the heirs of Henrietta Lacks. This story was and is of such significance that Oprah Winfrey was instrumental in the creation of a film, producing and starring as the daughter of Henrietta Lacks. In the second session, after discussing the book, we will view and discuss the movie version.
To Register for this Event  Email Us Here

World Events

Sessions: 2
When: Thursdays, April 20 and April 27 from 1:00pm – 2:30 pm
Where: ZOOM only
Max registration: Open
Covid requirements: None
Leader: Chris Moss
Description: World events are forever with us when we turn on the NEWS. What are your thoughts on the items of the day? Politics? Violence? Climate? Economics? Health Care? Bring your opinions to the table and have your say.
To Register for this Event  Email Us Here