WELCOME TO MACKAY CENTRE FOR SENIORS
We are a non-profit charitable organization that offers social, recreational and volunteer opportunities for older adults (55 years+) in Goderich and the surrounding area. Our programs encourage seniors to remain active and independent in their own home and in the community.
CENTRE ANNOUNCEMENTS
PLEASE NOTE, MEMBERSHIP IS $15/YEAR AND DUE ON APRIL 1ST 2023
TO REGISTER CLICK HERE
The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Stephanie Hartwick, Executive Director
MacKay Centre for Seniors
519 524-6660 Mackaycentre@hurontel.on.ca
The Mackay Centre for Seniors Undertakes a New Strategic Planning Project Thanks to a $23,200 OTF Grant
Goderich, ON – On Thursday, MPP Lisa Thompson met with the Board of Directors and members of The Mackay Centre for Seniors to hear more about the two-year, $23,200 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that is being used to develop a three-year strategic plan for the Centre. The work happening as a result of the two-year long grant, awarded in the spring of 2023, will help the Centre to proactively respond to the changing needs of the community.
“The value that the MacKay Centre continues to bring to the table goes beyond the individual classes they offer,” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce. “They are building a community of vibrant, engaged, and active seniors who experience great quality of life – and for that, they have my ongoing appreciation. I look forward to seeing how the additional funding is leveraged to benefit and enrich the lives of seniors.”
Funds from the grant were used to help bring in a consultant to work on the plan, purchase materials needed for focus groups, and helping with some administrative costs.
“The MacKay Centre for Seniors has been a vibrant central hub for Seniors in the Goderich and surrounding area for over 40 years. We currently have over 400 members and are excited to engage Maureen Cole at We R Strategic to develop this plan. Through our community planning sessions, we hope to discover new ways to promote, engage and provide a wide variety of programs for our Senior’s Active Living Centre to help us grow through the next three years.” said Stephanie Hartwick, Executive Director, MacKay Centre for Seniors.
“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”
Directors Message
Welcome to the MacKay Centre for Seniors.
Greetings and update from Chair of Board of Directors
As we wind down 2023 and look forward to 2024, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our Board members, our Executive Director, Stephanie Hartwick, and the Members and Volunteers of the MacKay Centre, for all your commitment. Join us as we begin our journey of creating a Strategic Plan by the summer of 2024, which will provide a roadmap of where are going over the next three to five years, as well as how we will measure our success. In December, 2023, the Board reviewed the Centre’s Mission, Vision, and Values. We will be sharing the draft, with our membership in the next couple of months for comment. This is the first step in the strategic planning process that is being facilitated by Maureen Cole of WE-R- Strategic. The Board was inspired by a SWOT analysis, as they saw many (S) strengths and (O) opportunities to overcome our (W) weaknesses and (T)threats. Thank you to the 120 members of the MacKay Centre who completed the program satisfaction survey. We look forward to your ongoing feedback. We see great opportunities in engaging with our many community stakeholders and members, by holding community open houses and focus groups, during February and March. It is important to hear from all of our members and community stakeholders as we set priorities, goals, and action plans for the years ahead. We will provide you with monthly updates in our newsletter. Looking forward to continued success in 2024 and a HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!
Nancy Allin Chair, Board of Directors
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PROGRAMS
The MacKay Centre for Seniors is a central hub for Seniors in the Goderich and surrounding area. We have over 400 members and provide a wide variety of programs throughout the year. Some of our most popular programs include fitness classes 4x’s a week, tai chi, Art Club, Choir, Yoga, community dining program, music, iPad lessons, card games and special events. The majority of individuals who use the Centre are members, and we encourage all to join. However, our doors are open to everyone. We also have a vibrant Children’s theater group that meets here weekly during the school year. The Centre is also a community meeting space for other not for profit groups such as the Horticulture club, I.O.D.E., local Hospital Auxiliary, Parkinson’s society, and we host an annual Community Tax Clinic. We have partnerships with Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth, Huron Hospice, LHIN Southwest Self-Management Program and the Maitland Valley Family Health Team to provide information sessions and support groups. Our book and puzzle library is open during business hours and you are welcome to come in and pick up a couple of books or puzzles. We accept donations of gently used books and puzzles. We are always looking to encourage new members, new volunteers and develop programming that meets the needs of our Seniors.
If you have any questions about how to take part or if you have a suggestion about a topic or theme, please give me a call at 519 524-6660
SENIOR SUPPORT
One Care
Town of Goderich
South West Healthline
Alexandra Marine & General Hospital
I.O.D.E. Goderich
Goderich Horticultural Society
Mackay Choristers
Lions Club Bus
OACAO
Elder Abuse Prevention
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
OUR HISTORY
In 1925 Robert MacKay donated $12.000 to the Town of Goderich to construct a community hall. The cornerstone of MacKay Hall was laid on October 14, 1926 and the building was officially opened on February 2, 1927. The hall was used by many community groups including The Women’s Institute and the Goderich Little Theatre. During the war years the I.O.D.E. offered meals and organized dances for soldiers stationed at the air force base in Port Albert. The hall was also used by the school board to accommodate classes during school renovations.
In 1977 representatives of Health & Welfare Canada along with town council members toured the town in search of a building suitable for a seniors centre. They decided that MacKay Hall was an ideal location. A steering committee formed, plans were drawn up and in 1979 a party was held at the hall to launch a fundraising campaign. Grants were obtained from New Horizons and Wintario and generous donations were received from the Town of Goderich, Colborne Township, local businesses, service clubs, and individuals. Renovations began in June of 1980 and The MacKay Centre for Seniors was officially opened in October, 1980.
The Centre is Governed by a Board of approximately eight Directors. Over the past 40 years we have been fortunate to have many wonderful people provide guidance and support to help keep the Centre running and relevant. From the Cabarets, Pool tables, Euchre tournaments and live performances to the MacKay Choristers, The Goderich Art Club and Goderich and District Horticultural Society, The MacKay Centre has been the place for senior’s in the Goderich community for 40 years.
Alex Saunders who took part in the original opening ceremonies said “the old Temperance Hall served its purpose for 75 years; perhaps the new hall would service the people of Goderich for another 75 years.”
Ninety-three years later, MacKay Hall still stands proudly on the corner of North and Nelson streets. We believe Mr. MacKay would be pleased to see that so many Goderich Community members still carry his vision, making full use of his building.
CONTACT US
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
MacKay Centre opened in 1980. Our success is largely due to the many volunteers who generously donate their time and talents. Volunteers sit on our board and committees, assist with our programs, provide volunteer transportation and assist with building repairs and maintenance projects.
For more information about becoming a part of our Volunteer Team please call 519-524-6660
RENT WITH US
We have some availability for private rentals .
Please contact us for more information
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
| CHAIR | TREASURER | SECRETARY | DIRECTORS | PAST CHAIR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
NANCY ALLIN |
LARRY PAPERNICK |
KATHLEEN BUCKLEY
|
IRENE BROMLEY RICHARD MADGE SHARON KIRKEY MARY LERCEL |
VICKY CULBERT |
OUR SPONSORS
Registered Charity # BN 11924 3525 RR0001 Ontario Corporation
# 487611