The tables at the Altona Senior Centre were filled with hungry visitors last Friday eager to enjoy a delicious meal and support an important community organization.
Pulled pork, baked potatoes, and coleslaw were on the menu, all available by donation. Funds raised will be used to pay for recent upgrades to the parking lot.
“It was a good turnout, with preparations for about 100 people. Takeout was available, too,” said board chair Ernie Buhler. “A bunch of the local ladies volunteered to prepare the food, so it’s all homemade. It’s a good deal for a donation.”
The six-member board has gradually been upgrading the facility over the past few years.
“In 2020, we redid the kitchen. We borrowed money and spent $60,000 on it, and then COVID hit. It was a bit of a struggle, but we got it all paid off.”
Determined to operate in the black, Buhler says they’ve had to be resourceful, relying on local grants, rentals, and community events to maintain the facility.
“We run the building like a house, and we have to put money into it, just like a house.”
The Altona Senior Centre continues to be a vital part of the community, offering not only delicious meals but also a gathering place for friends and neighbours to come together and support one another.
The board raises funds through their monthly waffle breakfast. Every second Thursday, for just $10, attendees can enjoy homemade waffles with white sauce, peaches, strawberry glaze, topped with ice cream and all the coffee they want.
“It’s definitely one of our biggest fundraisers,” Buhler says.
The board undertook two projects this year: new shingles for the building and a new parking lot.
“The old parking lot was causing issues for neighbours, who complained it wasn’t shaped properly and was causing water to seep into their basements,” shared Buhler. “We ended up spending just over $7,000 to fix it.”
LET Construction was hired to handle the project.
“They came in with new crushed rock, packed it and shaped it. It should be good for many years,” Buhler said.
The board is now up to date with projects and has no new ones on the horizon for the moment. However, they remain committed to maintaining and improving the facility.
Reflecting on the event’s success and the local support, Buhler expressed gratitude.
“We’ve had to be creative, but the community always comes through for us. We couldn’t do this without their support.”
