Sunshine Coast Community Services Society (SCCSS) is pleased to announce that its thrift store has been awarded a $19,333 grant from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. This funding will support the launch of the Pass It On Program (POP), an innovative, senior-led initiative designed to foster social engagement, lifelong learning, and community connection for older adults on the Sunshine Coast.
The Pass It On Program will provide a series of weekly workshops and mentoring opportunities at the Community Services Thrift Store, aimed at enhancing digital literacy, retail skills, and leadership among senior volunteers. The program will be developed in collaboration with senior participants and will offer hands-on training in areas such as technology use, cash register operation, pricing antiques and collectibles, and more. The initiative will also address important topics like healthy aging, mentoring skills, and conflict management, ensuring that volunteers feel confident and supported in their roles.
“With our region’s higher-than-average population of older adults, programs like POP are vital to reducing social isolation and building stronger, more connected communities,” said Peri Clark, senior program assistant, SCCSS.
The POP initiative is open to all seniors in the community, with no service fees, and will include refreshments for participants. In addition to building new skills and friendships, the program aims to strengthen the volunteer experience and improve thrift store operations –– ensuring continued support for SCCSS’s many programs serving people of all ages across the Sunshine Coast.
SCCSS extends its thanks to the Government of Canada for investing in seniors and helping to create opportunities for connection, learning, and leadership.
Further details on the Pass It On Program, including registration and workshop dates, will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information, please contact Peri Clark, Community Services Thrift Store, 731 North Road, Gibsons at [email protected] or call 604-865-0362.
