The foyer and lounge of the Langley Seniors Centre was bustling with people on Thursday, the first day the popular facility opened since it was flooded early last week.
“Lots of people wanted to come here and see how bad the damage is and to reconnect with friends,” said Shelley Wells, executive director. “We have put out some treats and coffee and tea. We are trying to make the best of it.”
A water pipe in the ceiling above the kitchen burst in the early morning hours of Dec . 1, sending thousands of litres of water out, flooding the kitchen, dining room and hall. Damage is so extensive, the kitchen is unusable and renovations will take more than a month.
The centre is staying open but is limited to only being able to serve hot drinks and finger food and treats on paper plates and cups.
Relying on government and personal donations to sustain its services and programs, Christmas is the seniors’ centre’s biggest fundraising time of year.
“The donations we usually get in the Christmas season have to support us for the entire year,” said Wells.
And while Wells is usually concentrating her efforts on fundraising right now, she is busy working on operations and dealing with renovations.
While insurance will cover the majority of the costs, the centre is still out of pocket for several things, like paper plates and cups, plastic forks and spoons.
If you would like to make a donation to the Langley Seniors Resource Centre, Wells said they would “appreciate anything” that comes their way. To contribute you can send a cheque in the mail, donate online through the centre website at www.lsrs.ca, or bring in money or cheque to the centre located at 20605 51B Ave. or call 604-530-3020.