SSSBC held its annual general meeting on July 2nd with some key changes in its board members. We extend our deepest appreciation to former Chair Jeff Tisdale, Past Chair Brenda Southam, Secretary Anna Smith, and Directors Michelle Kelly and Karen McDonald for their exceptional service. Over many years, these board members have been a driving force behind numerous achievements, contributing insight, stability, and vision that have helped shape the organization we are today.

Naveed Nadri has now stepped into the role of Board Chair, with Mandy Hansen as Vice Chair and Sneha Attili as Secretary. We were also pleased to welcome five new members to the board who bring additional strengths to our organization. Kirk Robinson is now our Treasurer; he has over 30 years’ experience in the property sector and is senior vice president of development at PC Urban Properties. Also new to the board Jelfie Achandy, a finance and transformation leader, Margaret Ovenell, a planner with the City of Richmond focusing on seniors and accessibility planning, Aadim Rajan, a change management professional, and Jeanette Robertson, a professor emerita from Thompson Rivers University now teaching part time in SFU’s Department of Gerontology. Biographies of all our board members are available online.

Our Annual Impact Report was prepared for our AGM and includes a review of our many accomplishments over the past fiscal year. We measure these by how they align with our strategic priorities. These achievements result in outcomes that further our mission to connect older adults with supports and housing navigation services to enhance their lives.

The following are our key accomplishments from 2024/2025.

Strategic Priority: Diversify Revenue

* Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions: $809,000 for BC SHINE program.

* New fundraising event established (Walk of Ages).

* Revenue from fundraising events (Walk of Ages and Santa for Seniors) increased by 21% to $112,744 net for program delivery.

* With maximized revenue from investments, established RRSP contribution program for staff with two years tenure.

Strategic Priority: Expand Presence and Increase Engagement

* Presentations to 18 local, provincial and national conferences and community groups to educate stakeholders on best practices related to senior homelessness and to encourage knowledge sharing.

* Presentations at RENT conferences throughout BC resulted in four communities asking for the SHINE program to be expanded to their communities.

* Joined Patient Community Advisory Committee in New Westminster to discuss challenges related to health care and housing.

* Participation in Housing Navigator Training increased by 57% over the year prior, resulting in more knowledge around barriers to housing.

* Awarded Humanitarian Award from the BC Association of Broadcasters valued at $1 million in free advertising in 2025.

* Hired Strategic Communications & Development Officer to expand profile and fundraising program.

* Increased followers, impressions and engagement across social media channels.

* Produced 10 podcasts that serve as an important resource for seniors.

* Media stories on CBC News, CBC radio, News 1130, The Vancouver Sun and local media brought the issue of homelessness amongst seniors to a wider audience.

Strategic Priority: Expand Service Excellence

* Established the Community Connections: Nourishing Seniors program, hosting 19 social meals to reduce isolation amongst New Westminster seniors.

* Agreement with PC Urban Properties to provide rent-geared-to-income housing units at multiple properties.

* Met with regional health authorities to keep clients housed by transferring health supports.

* Hosted first SHINE Conference attended by all partners and agencies across BC to increase knowledge and discuss service improvements.

* Hired Senior Manager of Administration and Support Services to streamline processes, maximize efficiency, and update policies.

Strategic Priority: Maximize and Innovate Partnerships

* Established partnerships to provide more housing options for seniors with 127 Housing Society, Dania Home Society, L.J. Christmas Manor, Casa Serena, Shilo House, Cedar Manor, and Connective Support Society.

* Recruited three new board members with diverse business backgrounds to enhance our governance.

* Partnered with The River’s Reach Pub to host three social events for the Community Connections: Nourishing Seniors program.