OCTOBER 2026
by Khaye Rufin, Executive Director
Welcoming Fall at Copper Island With autumn now underway, Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre continues to be a place where people can access health and wellness services, participate in community programs, and connect with others.
The past few months have been filled with activities, educational opportunities, fitness programs, and community gatherings. We are especially thankful for the many people who make these initiatives possible, including our core admin and program assistants, volunteers, Board of Directors, community partners, donors, instructors, speakers, and supporters.
Their continued involvement allows us to offer programs that support connection, learning, health, and well-being throughout the South Shuswap.
Bringing Seniors Together Our Seniors Social Meals Program has remained an important part of our fall programming. These gatherings provide seniors with opportunities to get active, learn something new, enjoy a nutritious meal, and spend time with others in the community. On September 17, participants gathered in Sorrento for a community walk led by certified instructors from Just Do You Fitness. Following the walk, everyone enjoyed lunch together at Sorrento Centre. Events like these demonstrate how physical activity and social connection can go hand in hand. We were also pleased to welcome BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt on September 23 at Shuswap Lake Estates Community Centre. Approximately 100 community members and partners attended this special presentation, which provided an opportunity to hear about some of the important and challenging issues affecting seniors across British Columbia. The presentation generated thoughtful discussion and meaningful conversations, with attendees sharing their own experiences and perspectives. We sincerely appreciate Dan Levitt for taking the time to speak with our community, as well as everyone who participated. Lunch was provided by Blind Bay Village Grocer with funding graciously provided by United Way BC. Our fitness programs provided by JDY Fitness instructors are also continuing throughout the fall, providing affordable opportunities for seniors to remain active and engaged. For information about current programs, workshops, and registration, please contact sshssprograms@gmail.com.
October Community Activities We have several exciting educational and social opportunities planned for October.
October 8 at 11:00 a.m. Blind Bay Hall – Seniors Fraud Awareness Join us for an informative presentation with Scott Brandle, Financial Representative with Primerica, who will share practical information about recognizing scams, identifying warning signs, and protecting your finances and personal information. This presentation is being offered free of charge through funding from the New Horizons for Seniors Program.
October 16 at 11:00 a.m. Sunnybrae Community Hall – Hearing Health Awareness We are pleased to welcome Dimos Papadimitropoulos, Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner, for an educational presentation focused on hearing health. Dimos will cover a variety of topics, including interesting facts about our ears, hearing loss, how the hearing system works, communication strategies, and advances in hearing aid technology.
October 22 at 11:00 a.m. Seniors Physical Activity Luncheon – Sorrento
Join instructors from JDY Fitness for another opportunity to get moving, connect with others, and enjoy lunch together. These gatherings are a wonderful way to stay active while building friendships and enjoying time with other members of our community.
Winter is Coming Dance and Fundraiser November 7 at 8:00 p.m. Shuswap Lake Estates Community Centre Get ready for an evening of music, dancing, and community spirit! We are excited to have the Serious Dogs join us for our fall fundraising dance. It promises to be a fun night for the community, with great music and plenty of opportunities to socialize. Tickets are now available for $40/person at Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre. There will be a cash bar and a 50/50 raffle! Charcuterie is included in the ticket price. Ticket sales are available: Monday–Friday: 12:00–4:00 p.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
New Seniors Social Activities & Games Program We are pleased to share that Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre has received funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program to develop a new Social Activities & Games Program. This program will create additional opportunities for seniors to get together in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Activities will focus on social connection, games, conversation, learning, and simply enjoying time with others. Whether you enjoy traditional games, want to learn something new, or are simply looking for an opportunity to meet people and spend time together, we hope this program will offer something for everyone. Program dates, activities, and registration information will be announced soon. Stay tuned!
How You Can Support Copper Island There are many ways community members can become involved with Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre. We welcome individuals and organizations who would like to:
- Present at one of our educational sessions
- Partner with us on community programs
- Provide catering or other services
- Make a donation or sponsor a program
- Volunteer at the Centre or at community events
- Become involved with our Board of Directors We are continuing to welcome community members who are interested in contributing their knowledge, experience, and ideas as Board members. If you would like to learn more, please contact us to request an Expression of Interest package.
- We are also interested in hearing from Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and Family Physicians who may be interested in providing services at Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre.
Health and Wellness Services at the Centre Copper Island continues to offer access to a variety of health, wellness, and community-based services, including:
Public Health Child Health & Immunization Clinics – Every fourth Monday of the month Mobile Life Labs Services – Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Call 250-675-3661 to book.
Foot Care Services with Sherry Lucas, LPN – Select Wednesdays Call 250-675-3661 to book.
Interior Health Mental Health and Substance Use Services with clinician Brittany Larsen
Pregnancy Outreach Services with Tracy Wood through Shuswap Family Centre Clinical Counselling with Ella La Fleur and Carrie Kyle.
For information about programs, activities, and upcoming events, please email sshssprograms@gmail.com.
For general inquiries about the Centre, partnerships, volunteering, or opportunities to support our work, please contact executivedirector@sshss.ca.
Thank You, South Shuswap! As we move further into the fall season, we want to recognize the many people who continue to make Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre a welcoming and active part of our community. Our volunteers give their time and energy throughout the year to help with programs, events, administration, and the day-to-day operation of the Centre. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment. We also extend our appreciation to our members, donors, community partners, speakers, instructors, service providers, and supporters. Your contributions allow us to continue offering programs and services that bring people together and improve access to health and wellness resources close to home. Thank you for being part of the South Shuswap Health Services community. Together, we are helping create a healthier, more connected, and supportive South Shuswap.
September 2026
By Khaye Rufin, Executive Director
As summer comes to a close, we are grateful for another busy and rewarding season at Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre. Our programs and services continue to bring people together, provide access to important health and wellness resources, and strengthen connections throughout the South Shuswap. None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our volunteers, Board members, community partners, donors, and supporters. Their time, talents, and generosity help us continue to grow and provide meaningful programs and services for our community. Connecting Through Community Our Seniors Social Meals Program continued throughout the summer, providing opportunities for older adults to stay active, learn, connect, and enjoy time together.
On August 13, we held our physical activity luncheon, led by certified fitness instructors from Just Do You Fitness. Due to wildfire smoke, we moved the fitness portion indoors, where participants enjoyed a group fitness class at Notch Hill Hall. A delicious lunch was catered by Celine’s Just Desserts.
These events are about more than food and fitness—they provide valuable opportunities for seniors to connect, socialize, and build community. On August 17, we hosted an informative session at Shuswap Lake Estates featuring InspireHealth and the Kamloops Cancer Supportive Care Society. Participants learned about cancer support services and resources available to individuals living with cancer, cancer survivors, and caregivers. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with these organizations and connect our community with these invaluable resources.
This fall, we will continue our exercise program series through Just Do You Fitness. Please email cisrcbb@gmail.com for more information about our workshops and to register.
Upcoming Community Events:
September 17 – Seniors Activity Luncheon Please email sshssprograms@gmail.com to register for our monthly Seniors Activity Luncheon.
September 18 – Hearing Services An experienced Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner, Dimos Papadimitropoulos, who has been serving the Salmon Arm and Shuswap area for nearly a decade, will be at Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre offering 10-minute appointments. Appointments will include hearing aid troubleshooting and cleaning, otoscopy (looking in the ears), and an opportunity to ask general hearing-related questions. Appointments are required. Please call 250-675-3661 to book.
September 24 at 11 am – Seniors Educational Luncheon We are honoured to welcome BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt for an upcoming Seniors Educational Luncheon at Shuswap Lake Estates Community Centre. He will speak about issues affecting older adults across British Columbia and share insights into the work of the Office of the Seniors Advocate. This is an excellent opportunity to hear directly from the provincial Seniors Advocate and learn more about the issues, resources, and supports that matter to older adults in our communities. Registration details will be shared through our email mailing list, social media channels, and community bulletin boards.
October 8 at 11:00 am – Senior Fraud Awareness We are pleased to welcome Scott Brandle, who will present on senior fraud and scams at Blind Bay Hall, including information to help older adults recognize potential fraud and protect themselves. More information will be available soon.
October 16 at 11:00 am – Hearing Presentation We will have a hearing presentation at Sunnybrae Hall with registered hearing specialist Dimos, who will share helpful information about hearing health and answer general hearing-related questions.
November 7 – Save the date …for our Fall Dance at Shuswap Lake Estates Community Centre. We are excited to welcome Serious Dogs to the stage for an evening of music, dancing, community, and fun. Keep an eye out for ticket sales and more details coming soon!
COMING SOON:
New Seniors Social Activities & Games Program We are excited to announce that Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre has received funding through the NewHorizons for Seniors Program to support a new Social Activities & Games Program for seniors in our community. The program will provide opportunities for older adults to socialize, have fun, learn new games, reconnect with friends, and build new friendships in a welcoming and inclusive environment. We look forward to creating more opportunities for seniors to come together and enjoy regular social activities. More information, including program dates, activities, and registration details, will be coming soon. Stay tuned!
Get Involved We are always looking for community members and organizations who would like to become involved with the work we do. If you are interested in speaking at one of our educational events, or would like to support our programs through catering, services, donations, or community partnerships, we would love to hear from you.
We are also continuing to welcome passionate community members interested in joining our Board of Directors. If you would like to help strengthen healthcare, wellness, and community services in the South Shuswap, please contact us to request an Expression of Interest package. We also welcome inquiries from Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and Family Physicians who may be interested in providing services at Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre.
Current Services Available
• Public Health Child Health & Immunization Clinics – Every fourth Monday of the month
• Mobile LifeLabs Services – Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:00 am–12:00 pm. Call 250-675-3661 to book.
• Foot Care Services with Sherry Lucas, LPN – Select Wednesdays Call 250-675-3661 to book.
• Community Integrated Services with Garnette Davidson
• Pregnancy Outreach Services with Tracy Wood through Shuswap Family Centre
• Clinical Counselling with Ella La Fleur and Carrie Kyle
For information about programs and upcoming events, contact sshssprograms@gmail.com.
For inquiries regarding the Centre, partnerships, or opportunities to support our work, contact executivedirector@sshss.ca.
A Heartfelt Thank You
As we head into fall, we want to extend a special thank you to our dedicated volunteers who help operate our Centre, support our programs, and lend a hand at community events throughout the year. Your generosity and commitment are at the heart of everything we do. We are equally grateful to our members, donors, partners, speakers, instructors, and the entire South Shuswap community for your continued encouragement and support. Together, we are creating stronger connections,
improving access to healthcare and wellness services, and helping build a healthier South Shuswap.
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August 2026
By Khaye Rufin, Executive Director
Summer has been a busy and exciting time at Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre. As a community-based non-profit organization, our success is only possible because of the incredible volunteers, Board members, partners, donors, and supporters who generously give their time, talents, and resources to strengthen healthcare and wellness services in the South Shuswap. Every event, program, and service we offer is made possible through their commitment to building a healthier, more connected community.
We are especially proud to congratulate our own Sue McCrae, who was named a finalist for the Lifetime Impact Award at the inaugural Scoop Volunteer Awards. Sue’s recognition reflects not only her many years of dedicated service, but also the lasting difference that volunteers make in the lives of others every day. “I am very honoured to be a finalist in the Lifetime Impact Award. Thank you to the many community members who support South Shuswap Health Services Society and the volunteers who are the foundation that Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre was built on.” — Sue McCrae
We are pleased to welcome two new members to our team. Heather Yip has joined us as our Administrative and Program Assistant and will be working in our office Monday through Friday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. We also welcome Chloe Dawon Jung as our Programs Assistant. We extend our sincere appreciation to our dedicated Board of Directors. Thank
you to returning members Dawn Miles, Brenda McCormick, and Sandi Reutlinger for their continued leadership. We are also excited to welcome new Board members Sue McCrae, Taegan Joyce, Rhonda Pigeau, and Taylor Morin.
Our Seniors Social Meals Program continues throughout the summer, bringing older adults together for educational luncheons and community walks in Sorrento. On July 29, we hosted a successful luncheon at Eagle Bay Hall featuring Amanda Ashley, RN, who delivered an informative and engaging presentation on heart health. A delicious lunch was catered by Blind Bay Village Grocer. We are grateful to United Way BC for providing us funding for these events. You can also find us at Music by the Bay in Blind Bay every Thursday evening throughout the summer. Stop by our booth to meet our team, learn about our programs and services, and discover ways to get involved.
Upcoming Community Events
• August 17 at 10:00 a.m. – Attend an informational session at Shuswap Lake Estates featuring Inspire Health and the Kamloops Cancer Supportive Care Society. Learn about cancer support services and resources available for individuals living with cancer, survivors, and caregivers. Everyone is welcome.
• September 24 at 11:00 a.m. – We are honoured to welcome BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt, who will speak at Shuswap Lake Estates about issues affecting seniors across British Columbia. If you are interested in speaking at one of our educational events or would like to support our programs through catering or other services, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at executivedirector@sshss.ca. Registration details for our events are shared through our email mailing list, social media channels, and community bulletin boards. Email sshssprograms@gmail.com for more information.
We are also looking for passionate community members to join our Board of Directors. If you would like to help strengthen healthcare and wellness services in the South Shuswap, please email cisrcbb@gmail.com to request an Expression of Interest package. In addition, we continue to welcome inquiries from Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and Family Physicians who may be interested in providing services at Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre.
Current Services Available
• Public Health Child Health and Immunization Clinics – every fourth Monday of the month
• Mobile LifeLabs Services – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (250-675-3661 for booking)
• Foot Care Services with Sherry Lucas, LPN –Wednesdays (250-675-3661 for booking)
• Community Integrated Services with Garnette Davidson
• Pregnancy Outreach Services with Tracy Wood through Shuswap Family Centre
• Clinical Counselling with Ella La Fleur and Carrie Kyle
As always, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our volunteers who generously help operate our centre, support our programs, and assist with community events throughout the year. Your dedication and willingness to serve make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we support. We also thank our members, donors, partners, and the entire community for your continued encouragement and support. Together, we are improving access to healthcare and wellness services and helping build a healthier South Shuswap.