The Golden Age Society likes its independence, but it’s now having to reach out for financial assistance because of COVID-19 restrictions, says society president Diane McPhee.

“We have money in the bank, but we have seen a real drop in the last year, and it can only last for so long,” she said in an interview this week.

With restrictions, the society has not been able to offer its regular programming for seniors, McPhee said, particularly the twice-monthly luncheons they used to count on as a primary source of revenue.

The luncheons, she said, have been few and far between for a long time now.

They have been given the green light for a luncheon on Monday, McPhee said.

She said the society sent out letters to the business community last week explaining the situation and asking for financial donations.

“We would be hopeful some of the local businesses did reach out to us because of what we do for seniors,” said McPhee. “But we basically understand everybody is in the same boat.”

The society does not receive any government funding, other than the occasional grants for improvements to its building, she said.

McPhee said the society was approved earlier this year for a $10,000 grant from the city to cover operational expenses but they haven’t received the money yet.

If the society could return to normal operations again, it would again be self-sufficient, she said.

“We could do with a little help at the moment,” said McPhee. “We have always gone about our business taking care of ourselves.”

She said they are slowly getting things going as the government begins relaxing restrictions.

She said the Golden Age Society has 250 members aged 55 and older.

The society owns its own space at the north end of the Sport Yukon Building on Fourth Avenue.

“We have quite a large facility and we have a lot of activities for seniors for socializing and recreation,” McPhee said. “A lot or our seniors live alone, and they rely on this to get out and do things.”

The building comes with the normal costs, such as electricity and propane, and their monthly condo fees have just gone up to $1,000 from $700, she said.

The society president listed off some of the activities the group provides: Tai chi, line dancing, bingo (very popular), crib, whist, bridge, yoga ....

She said they also rent out their facility to other groups or for somebody who wants to have a birthday party.

“But that has been quite downsized because of the restrictions.”

The letter to local businesses says: “The Golden Age Society is self-funded and relies on memberships, facility rentals, luncheons, and other organized activities to operate.

“Mandatory shutdowns have eliminated most of this income. In order to operate, the society requires approximately $5,000 per month. When all restrictions are lifted, there will still be a financial issue for the coming year.

“Our priority is to ensure a safe place for all seniors to gather in a social environment. We are concerned that many seniors are enduring loneliness and isolation.”