who we are
About Richmond 55+sers Wellness and Fitness Society
The Richmond 55+sers Wellness and Fitness Society (RWFS) is a vibrant, community-based organization dedicated to empowering adults aged 55 and older to lead fulfilled lives. We believe that aging is a dynamic journey, one best traveled with a supportive community and an engaged mind. Through our diverse programming, we aim to inspire healthy aging by focusing on three core pillars: movement, education, and social connection.
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Our mission
Support Educate Empower seniors to an overall health and well-being for a better everyday life in the prevention of disease and disability.
Our vision
Nurture a culture of wellbeing for the seniors and to be a role model for personal growth and development that promotes a healthy physical, mental, social and spiritual outcome.
Our story
Founded out of a vision for community care, the Richmond 55+sers Wellness and Fitness Society began as a non-profit organization inspired by a dedicated group of Filipino women. Recognizing a need for culturally responsive and inclusive spaces, these founding members came together to create programs that championed the health, dignity, and social cohesion of older adults. Today, that foundation of community spirit continues to guide everything we do as we support seniors from all walks of life.
About our Board of Directors
Milagros (Mil) Ong
President and Board Chair
About Mil
Mil is a former Resident Care Coordinator, BSN, RN, GNCC-Gerontologlical Nurse Certified (Canada) at Richmond Lions Manor, Bridgeport. Past CWL President of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church. Cathechists at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church. House hold head of Handmaids of the Lord, Richmond.
Teresita (Tess) Tang
Vice President
About Tess
Tess is a travel consultant. She loves to participate in various activities such as Zumba , cultural presentations and loves to travel. Tess likes to keep busy, is involved in the community and help care for her four grandchildren. Tess is a former Board Secretary of the Multicultural Helping House Society.
Sandra Ang
Secretary
About Sandra
Sandra is dedicated to supporting the organization’s mission of promoting health and community well-being. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas and practiced professionally for nine years before moving to Canada in 1995. With additional experience in accounting, Sandra brings strong organizational skills and a genuine commitment to serving the Richmond community.
Gisela Mendoza
Treasurer
About Guisela
Gisela graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce at the Jose Rizal University, Philippines. Prior to moving to Canada she worked as a bookkeeper for 18 years. She loves cooking in her free time and took courses in cooking and baking to enhance her knowledge.
Grace Chan
Board of Director
About Grace
PurisimaCayas
Board of Director
About Puring
Puring graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in the Philippines. She worked as an Elementary School teacher after graduation and up until she moved to Canada. She currently works at a food chain store.
Tessie Penequito
Board of Director
About Tessie
Tessie is an energetic and approachable individual who enjoys learning, serving others, and embracing new experiences.
She began her healthcare career as a Registered Midwife in the Philippines and later moved to the United Kingdom, where she trained and worked as a State Enrolled Nurse for ten years. She
eventually moved to Canada, where she became a Cardiology Technologist and worked in several hospitals, also expanding her expertise in sleep medicine.
Now retired, she remains active in the community through the Richmond 55+ Wellness and Fitness Society, participating in wellness and social programs.
Erlinda Reyes
Board of Director
About Erlinda
Erlinda has passion and a heart invested in the Society"s missiion and vision. She takes responsibility in the progress of the committee she is entrusted and constantly looks for ways she can contribute her time and talent. Erlinda is open minded and her eagerness to learn helps the organization stay responsive.
Leonor Abanilla Reyes
Board of Director
About Leony
Leony is from Mabini, Batangas, Philippines. She is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Education, major in Science. She retired as a Public High School teacher before she moved to Canada. She currently enjoys life being active in the community and traveling.
Marilou Yodogawa
Advisory Board Chair
About Marilou
Luzviminda Santos
Advisory Board
About Babes
Babes is active in the community and graciously connects with people she meets to promotes the programs of the Society. She shares her knowledge and experiences to guide the Board to make informed decisions.
Jose (Joey) Ong
Advisory Board
About Joey
Joey graduated from the Univeristy of Santo Tomas. He is a Computer Analyst.
The presentation of the Certificate of
Proclamation of Filipino Heritage Month
Dignitaries in attendance
The dignitaries in attendance were His Worship Mayor Malcolm Brodie and some Councillors, Vancouver Philippine Consul General Gina Jamoralin and Vice Consul Marco Hardy, Richmond Member of Parliament Parm Bains and Member of the Legislative
Assembly
Assembly Hon Chan, Kelly Greene, Steve Kooner and Teresa Wat. Some Richmond School Board Trustees attended the event.
