October 1 is National Seniors Day in Canada. This day celebrates the many contributions of older adults who enrich our families, workplaces, and communities.

In Tofino, the District is proud to support local seniors through recreation programming and the weekly SMILE Program (Support Meals Improving Lives of Elders). The program’s free-to-attend weekly social takes place every Wednesday from 12 to 1:30 PM at the Tofino Community Hall. It offers a warm, chef-prepared meal and activities that promote well-being, inclusion, and social connection. Attendance averages 15 to 20 seniors each week.

Since May 2024, the District has served over 750 servings of soup at its weekly gatherings. An additional 930 soups have been sold with proceeds reinvested back into the program. In partnership with the Better at Home Program, the Pacific Rim Hospice Society has also delivered 900 soups and provided weekly visits to seniors unable to attend in person.

This month, SMILE sessions will include:

• October 1: Understanding Dog Body Language
• October 8: Dental Hygiene
• October 15: Autumn Themed Watercolour
• October 22: Kelp Talk with Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
• October 29: Halloween Craft

Tofino seniors also enjoy pickleball, chair yoga, book club, and strength and mobility sessions through the District’s recreation programming.

Local senior Sherry M. shared, “I am personally very impressed by how much effort is put into supporting seniors in Tofino, and I applaud the effort the facilitators put into keeping us socially connected and entertained. I have lived in larger centres where this level of personalized support was not available. For our small community, the socials are especially beloved.”

On National Seniors Day, the District encourages everyone to celebrate the seniors in their lives and acknowledge their impact on the community.

For more information on the SMILE and recreation programs, visit the recreation page.