The Barriere and District Seniors Society (BDSS) is a volunteer-run non-profit that has been a social hub for the community for many years.
The drop-in type centre offers a wide variety of free and inexpensive programs, events and activities, not only to seniors but often all ages in the community. The building is a hive of activity during the week and on weekends when the society offers reduced rentals for other organizations, groups or workshops there as well.
During the weekly bingo on the first Friday of each month, a large crowd will begin to arrive for an evening of socializing and fun starting at 5 p.m., with the centre offering hot dogs, sandwiches, coffee, tea and assorted non-alcoholic beverages.
Proceeds from a 50/50 draw, the concession and bingo go toward the North Thompson Activity Centre After-School Program and to support the BDSS as well.
President of the BDSS, Mary-Lou Jones, told Black Press on Monday, January 20, they have just started a 50/50 draw for $5,000. "We are raising money for a kitchen floor at the Seniors Centre in Barriere."
She said they printed 2,000 tickets and are selling them at $5 each. If they sell them all they will raise $10,000.00 from which they will have $5000.00 to award the winner and $5,000 to put towards centre improvements.
The draw will take place at North Thompson Activities Centre bingo on June 6 at 8 p.m. We will be selling tickets till we run out. We are also hoping we are getting new bathroom fixtures from a grant application soon.”
