December 2025

Season’s Greetings to all, with thanks…

This year could easily be called the year of volunteerism for the Thetis Island Community Association and Forbes Hall Community Centre.

It would be a challenge to individually thank all those who volunteered this year. So, follow along as you see how volunteering adds so much to our community.

Hall Management

The TICA board of nine volunteers manages the facilities and its business end of things, including bookings, invoicing, payments, membership, fund-raising, communications and engagement, supplies and equipment, and much more.

Library Services

Thousands of books, DVD’s and puzzles are provided for the use and enjoyment of islanders.  Funded in part by the volunteer-led Annual Book and Bake sale, our library is also fortunate to have a Librarian and a league of Friends of the Library that show up rain or shine to welcome islanders to find materials.

Health Services

A group of seven committed individuals work to bring quality health care to Thetis Island, liaise with Island Health, and advocate for access to available programs.  These same volunteers co-ordinate the bi-annual vaccine clinics and the Thetis Island Cooling Centre during extreme heat.

Food Services

A large group of volunteers provide Soup’s On from October through April each year, creating a great way for islanders to meet up and enjoy a simple lunch together, a point of connection for our community. These same volunteers show up for other larger events throughout the year, helping to bring islanders together.

Maintenance and Grounds Work

Several volunteers routinely look after the facility and grounds, whether it’s fixing hinges, changing lightbulbs, sorting recycling, landscaping and gardening, or looking after the grounds by mowing, trimming, and raking. Additional volunteers show up for the twice annual work parties to clean windows and screens, clean the roof, pressure wash the decks and patios, and work on the ongoing gardening needs.  This year also included the volunteer oversight of the Solar Panel installation.

Well-being & Connections

Through the volunteer provision of the Sunday Church, regular AA Meetings, Prayer Meetings and the weekly Food Pantry, island members are brought together and served, which is important within our small community.

Recreational Activities

To keep our islanders’ minds nimble and active, and our youngest engaged with other children, the following are offered: Bridge, Knitting and Craft Bee and Pre-school Activities.

Games and Fitness

Islanders are offered many ways to enjoy recreation and fitness at Forbes Hall: Ping Pong, Tai Chi, Yoga, Pickleball, Cardio/Fitness and Strength & Fitness. These are offered regularly thanks to the volunteers who organize and lead these activities.

Power’s Out Team

Volunteers manage the opening of the hall during power outages, planned or unplanned!  This offers a warm, safe place for islanders to gather, have a warm beverage, and socialize. 

In addition to the above, volunteers from all other island organizations routinely meet at Forbes Hall for meetings and use the hall for events for islanders.

The joy and connections that are made through the activities and services that volunteers provide or support at our community hall are a lasting gift.  Thanks to all for stepping up for your community in both small ways and large, your actions strengthen the bonds of friendship and trust within our Thetis Island Community.

With sincere thanks and best wishes for the New Year,

Board of Directors

Thetis Island Community Association / Forbes Hall Community Centre