Local seniors are reminded to “save the date.” After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, the Quesnel Rotary Club’s 57th annual Seniors’ Expedition to Barkerville is set for Wednesday, September 7.
Organizing committee co-chairs Ron Paull and Paul Mednis report that sign-up sheets will be available starting Monday, August 15, at the Quesnel Seniors’ Centre. To streamline the free registration process, sign-ups will be received only at the Seniors’ Centre and not the Golden Centre as in past years.
The club charters two tour buses and another for some residents of Dunrovin Park Lodge.
Attendees must sign up in advance on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are asked to please sign up in person rather than phoning the Seniors’ Centre. Shut-ins and others who cannot register in person are asked to call 250-992-6824 or a Rotary Club member. To ensure all seats are filled, seating will not be confirmed until those who have signed up have been called by phone after September 1.
Following an hour of fun and fellowship on the Cariboo Waggon Road, the entourage will be treated to admission to Barkerville and a restaurant lunch. After lunch, everyone will have time for tea and sweets while enjoying Barkerville’s street entertainment as they poke about the shops and exhibits. Of course, a loaf of sourdough bread from Goldfield Bakery will be high on many a shopping list. Guests will then be treated to a show at the famed Theatre Royal. The day will be capped off with the annual group photo in front of Barkerville’s 150-year-old St. Savior’s Church.
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Buses will arrive back in Quesnel around 4:30 p.m.
Quesnel Rotary Club president Laurey-Anne Roodenburg says this annual outing for local seniors is the club’s most important community service project.
“Rotary has been hosting local seniors to Barkerville for nearly six decades and this event continues as a wonderful way for our club to recognize and honour the contributions our seniors have made to the betterment of our great community.”
Long-time organizer Ron Paull says this annual day trip for area seniors is the most enjoyable and rewarding aspect of his many years of Rotary service. He encourages local seniors 65 years or older who wish to participate to sign up quickly after August 15 at the Seniors’ Centre, which is located at 461 Carson Avenue and open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, to reserve their seat.
“Our club is committed to continuing this event for seniors,” Paull says. “Our charity fund, with assistance from a Province of British Columbia gaming grant pays for the outing, while the charter bus company, Barkerville Historic Town and Park, Barkerville restaurants, Goldfields Bakery and Theatre Royal all give us a break, which we truly appreciate.”
For information, call 250-992-6824 or any Rotary Club member who can direct enquiries to the organizing committee.
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