About six years ago, Jeff Tisdale was looking for a more meaningful way to contribute to his community. He appreciated the work his Rotary Club and chamber of commerce were doing, but he wanted to get involved at a more grassroots level.

That’s when he and SSSBC’s immediate past chair, Brenda Southam, started talking about the work our society does. Jeff was hooked and joined the board, initially as a director and then moving to fill the position of Vice Chair. At our June AGM, Jeff began his term as our chair.

“Brenda leaves big shoes to fill; to say I was nervous would be an understatement,” said Jeff. “But I am really looking forward to working with the board and getting to know our new directors. We’re a very diverse group of people and I’m excited about listening to their different perspectives and determining how the board can work to make the most impact.”

Jeff sees the board’s role as bringing awareness to challenges seniors are facing.

“I share what SSSBC does with my networks,” he said. “People often have no idea that homelessness isn’t just an issue for people who are down and out. Many seniors in their seventies and eighties are struggling with having a roof over their head or having food on the table. I want to bring attention to these sorts of concerns and advocate for solutions.”

Jeff gave a recent example where a chat while trail running with buddy who works for Menno Place in Abbotsford led to that organization connecting with SSSBC. That community is now aware of our SHINE program and other services that SSSBC provides.

He sees the board’s diverse makeup as extremely positive.

“We all have different backgrounds and experiences, and we all want to do good and see good done,” he remarked. “We’re all passionate people and that means there will be many long discussions that dive deep into the issues the society is addressing. Everyone is really thinking about the impacts we can make.”

Jeff lives in Chilliwack with his wife and recently adopted 13-year-old daughter. (Two older children have already left home.) His mother is still an important part of his life, and he has been by her side as they both deal with the passing of his father last spring. Jeff is the CEO of a technology company owned by an octogenarian whose old-school way of doing business is ingrained in the business’s DNA.

“I know the next two years as chair will go by quickly,” said Jeff. “I hope we can accomplish some important things.”