FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s)

Q. I am a senior but my spouse is not. Can they be a member?

A. In line with our By-Laws, you can be a member of the Drop in Centre if you are fifty years of age or older and pay your dues of $20.00 annually or as otherwise set at an Annual General Meeting.  The membership year runs from 1 January to 31 December.

If your spouse does not fit within these guidelines, they can certainly attend most of the events at the Centre but they would have to pay a minor extra charge (usually $1.00 more) to take part in some activities.

These would include such events as cards, carpet bowling, etc. The large majority of our events are open to the public, where there is no additional charge, so she could attend these with no problem.

Q Do you have special part time rates for those who are absent part of the year?

A. There are no special rates. It becomes an onerous task to track all these people and prove their claim of temporary residence and we are all volunteers and have enough to do.

Q. I am on a very limited income. Can I get a reduced membership fee?

A. Again, there are no special rates.

Q. I am a Senior. Do you have a Seniors’ Discount on your membership fees?

A. As noted above there are no special rates. However, if you join the Drop-In Centre as a NEW member after 31 July, the membership fee is reduced to half the annual fee and is valid until 31 December.  For new members only (excluding renewals) joining in either November or December, the membership fee will be $5.00 for November and/or December and payment for the first year may be collected at the same time.

Q. We pay our membership fees but some activities have added costs. How come?

A. These minimal additional costs to participate allow us to run the event and allow for prizes.

Q. Does membership in the Drop-In Centre include membership in the Penticton Bocce Club, Penticton Horseshoe Pitchers Club, Penticton Squares Square Dance Club or Snooker Group?

A. No. These are separately incorporated clubs with their own funds and elected executive to operate their club. They pay for use of the Hall as do other groups who wish to use the Hall for private functions.

VOLUNTEERING

Q. I don’t have much time in my busy schedule. What is the minimum volunteer time expected?

A. There is no “Expected” Volunteer time. Everyone volunteers to the best of their qualifications and ability as they see fit.

Q. Do you have training available?

A. You learn on the job from the Group Leader that you are volunteering with. If you have special talents you might like to become an Instructor in your specialty. Contact the Front Office.

Q. Do you need someone to just stand around and look pretty?

A. We always welcome anyone who wishes to participate on a volunteer basis.

OPERATIONS

Q. What is the amount of the outstanding mortgage against the Society?

A. As of 28 Feb 07 there is no outstanding mortgage.

Q. Do I take on any personal liability if I sign up as a member?

A. The Society does not have a liability insurance policy, except for the Directors.  Should a Volunteer have an accident on site they are not specifically covered by an Insurance Policy.  They, as well as visitors, must exercise due diligence for their actions and for tasks they perform as to whether or not they are capable of carrying out the task.  However, should an accident occur caused by an act of negligence by the Drop-In Centre, they would have to sue the Centre against the Centre's Liability Policy

Q. Do the Directors get paid any remuneration?

A. From the start, The Penticton Senior’ Drop-In Centre Society has been a non-profit, volunteer run organization. Just as we have to pay for electricity, heating and telephone, etc., we do have to hire contractors to do some of the work around the place such as Janitorial services, security services and snow removal etc. And recently, when the work load got beyond the available bodies on the Board of Directors, we had to hire a Manager to take care of the many, many details of running an organization with a budget of over $200,000.00 annually.

Q. How many paid staff are there?

A. One, the part time Manager.

Q. I belong to a club that has an annual dinner. Do you cater to such events?

A. Yes, this is one of many ways we garner money to keep the Centre operational and in “The Black”.

Q. How is the Penticton Seniors’ Drop-In Centre Society governed?

A. The Drop-In Centre is governed by The Society Act of British Columbia. It is Non-Profit Society with its own Constitution, By-Laws and Policies which have been accepted by the Registrar of Companies for the Province of B. C. These documents are available for anyone to read through the Front Office Staff or posted on the Notice Boards. Financial Statements and Minutes of Board of Directors Meetings are posted on the Notice Board. The Board of Directors meets once a month to take care of any business arising or planned.

ACTIVITIES

Q. I like rock climbing (substitute any activity). Do you have competent instructors?

A. If there is a particular demand for an activity the Board of Directors will endeavour to set up a Group Coordinator to organize almost anything within reason, if there is sufficient interest. Remember this is a Volunteer Organization and depends on Volunteers for just about everything.

Q. When is the building available for activities?

A. Our Manager books all Outside functions to fit in with any empty space or time available and prepares a monthly Event Calendar. Normally the building is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM to the conclusion of an event. This could be up to 10:00 PM or 2:00 AM if it is New Years. Make your arrangements with the Manager. Office hours are 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.