Reminder: Escape the Heat this Summer!

Saanich Volunteer Services operates as an unofficial cooling centre when weather heats up. If you or your animals (in proper animal accommodation) need somewhere to be during the day while this hot weather passes please just pop in. We have helped a person with one application for an air conditioning unit under BC Hydro's program to supply a free air conditioner to people who qualify. The timing won't work for this heat wave, but it may help in a future heat wave. There is no age restriction and you can own your own home or rent. If you rent, your landlord must sign the permission provided on the BC Hydro website. All information is provided here.

Saanich Volunteer Services Society hopes that we can all pull together this summer to ensure everyone is comfortable. Remember to have ice in your freezer, for instance, to pop on the back of someone's neck if they become overheated. Remember that your animals are smaller and may require more immediate assistance if they get too hot and come cool off here if you need to.

We want everyone to enjoy the warmth of summer without any of the risk! If you have questions about the BC Hydro program please give our office a call and we can help.

Tea and Talk at McRae House, a New Tradition at Saanich Volunteer Services Society

The World Health Organization in 2023 reported here that social isolation and loneliness is as comparably important to health outcomes as other issues like obesity and smoking. At SVSS we hope to make a healthy impact on our Saanich residents by creating programming that people can enjoy with each other. Sparking friendships is our hope!

Carol Turnbull, Sharon Parker and Caroline Herbert have all collaborated to build a cooperative venture between our long term volunteers, our new volunteers and our clients in order to bring some fun social interactions to the landscape at McCrae House, located at 1445 Ocean View Road.

The inaugural Tea and Talk at McRae House was on April 10, 2024. At that time a group of volunteers and clients gathered to share ideas about how this Tea Party could be enjoyed into the future. As each progressive Tea and Talk occurs, the main indicator of how enjoyable it has been is the noise level. The Saanich Volunteer Services Society receptionists on Wednesday afternoons during these tea parties deserve a prize for working through the hilarity without dropping the phones and joining in.

Volunteers, clients, and staff have all enjoyed lively conversation and delectable treats. As we move into late spring and summer we hope Tea and Talk at McRae House becomes a routine. It happens twice a month. Come join in on the second and fourth Wednesdays each month between 2pm and 3:30 pm. We welcome all and, if it's too crowded, we can spill into our yard! See you next time: Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

Louise with Delores, sporting her Talk and Tea 'Getup'.

Volunteers and clients getting to know one another over tea, coffee and biscuits

Caroline's beautiful flower bouquet to brighten anyone's day

Volunteers: Tracy, Sunny, Lyane and Dori

Talk and Tea participants and volunteers: Dolores, Joan, Anita, Betty, Shirley and Barb

Mondays aren't always horrible...

Today we welcomed our newest maintenance volunteer!

This crow made a wonderful start to some shiny, clean gutters and likely made a meal of the job, too!

Saanich Volunteer Services Society shares space on the Cedar Hill Golf Course with many people and animals. Some critters are wild, like frogs and this crow, and others are more domesticated, like all the lovely dogs walking the track with their owners. Some dogs find treats when they visit us. Many dogs are regulars as they come with staff and volunteers.

We also have moments when animals are where they shouldn't be... Like today...

This little fluff of puffiness got lost in our vestibule today. Erin, our Office Coordinator, tried to herd it out gently. She tried to leave our door open so it could find its way to freedom. Neither option worked.

The experts were brought in and Carol, our Executive Director, took some paper towel to gently cup the bird to help it find outside. She remembers helping her grandfather catch canaries in his outdoor aviary. Here she is with the cutie, just at the second before it flew away.

All in all, Mondays here can be pretty interesting.

We welcome our animal friends and any humans who might like to wander in to have a word with our friendly volunteer receptionists and/or staff.

See you on another fabulous Monday, or any other day of the week, from 9am to 4 pm.