Friday 30 May 2014

The Inside Scoop On Discount Cards for Seniors in Whistler

There is a large debate when you speak about the need for a senior’s discount. I've heard all side of the debate, and lots of opinions. When I started writing this article I began researching the history of how the infamous “seniors discount' came about. What I found was that there is very little documented history and each business seems to have their own way of dealing with customer discounts.

The seniors discount was created for a generation who had survived the great depression, were living longer and had a very small savings, pension or were surviving just on old age security. The seniors discount was a way of supporting older adults by offsetting the cost of their purchases. As a child I was one to always razz my parents about their age and specifically when they were in their 60's reminded them at every time of purchase that they now qualified for a 'senior discount'. This would often result in a set of rolling eyes in my direction. The baby boomer generation has over whelmed the manner in which society viewed everything from birth, workforce, parenting and aging. According to Statistics Canada, “During that time (1946-1965), more than 8.2 million babies were born, an average of close to 412,000 a year” And I thought that Whistler was having a baby boom! With a large portion of the population aging at the same time and using discounts, challenges could arise for businesses if too much of their product is discounted so many choose not to and take a more inclusive approach with ‘membership cards’ for loyal customers not designated by age.

I have done some research around Whistler to see which businesses offer a 'seniors discount'. The results were interesting; there are very few stores to offer discounts. There is a drug store which offers a seniors discount on regular basis, the movie theater offers a reduced price and of course you can buy a mountain ski pass for less but otherwise I couldn’t find much in the way of a senior specific discount. However, seniors don’t be discouraged because there are two stores that do offer a Seniors Discount Card- Re Use It Centre and Re Build It Centre. These cards are available to anyone 60 years or older and can be used every day of the week. The cards are a way for WCSS to say thank you to the older adults in Whistler for the years of donating and shopping at the stores. At the Re Use It Centre this card offers 50% off clothing, kitchenware, linen and books. The Re Build It Centre offers 50% off any item under $20. All of the profits from both stores go directly to Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) to fund 25 programs and services such as Counseling Assistance, Summer Camp Fund and Outreach Services including the Seniors Needs Action Planner (SNAP) role. So, if you are 60 years or older, the next time you are shopping at the Re Use It Centre or the Re Build It Centre please sign up for your Seniors Discount Card and remember that every time you donate or shop you are supporting your community.


Thursday 22 May 2014

The Chief Challenge 2014

The staff of the Whistler Community Services Society hiked the Stawamus Chief in Squamish this morning, in support of Sea to Sky Community Services Centerpoint project. Hike the Chief as many times as you can in May 2014. Strengthen yourself, strengthen your community.

See more at: http://www.buildingopportunities.ca/chief-challenge