It has been a difficult summer for the Burnaby Mental Wealth Society as the board and employees struggled to find funding and keep their clubhouse open.
But after losing its funding from Fraser Health as of this month, the society is in the process of securing transitional funding for its centre at 6112 Sussex Ave., according to the president of the society's board.
To celebrate, the society is holding a thank-you barbecue this Friday.
"The invitation is extended to all of the community," said Carmina Tinaburri, the president of the board. "It's a big thank you for all the community support."
The barbecue is on Aug. 12, 1 to 5 p.m., in the West Burnaby United Church parking lot, at 6050 Sussex Ave., across from the centre. Admission is free.
"We'd like to encourage people to come, to thank them for all their support," Tinaburri said.
The society is still looking for permanent funding and is meeting with a knowledgeable fundraiser, she said. The group has also hired a student to help with the fundraising effort, she added.
"We have a ways to go, but we're getting a lot of support," Tinaburri said.
The focus of the centre has shifted to working with seniors with mental illness, she explained, as many of the members are seniors.
Brett Enemark, an employee with the society, told the NOW about the shift last week.
The centre was able to pull through with the help of volunteers and new funding, and it will continue its stable food program as long as possible, Enemark added.
Those wishing to donate to the centre can do so through PayPal on the society's website at www. bmws.bc.ca.
