The Courtenay Recreational Association currently manages and support two main programs.

The Evergreen Club - Social & Recreational programs and activities for adults 55+.

and 

Building Friendships - an inclusion program for adults with diverse abilities.

The Courtenay Recreational Association (CRA) has been operating in the Comox Valley for over 70 Years.  The formation of the non-profit organization was the result of many dedicated people who gave freely of their time to ensure children, you and adults had recreational opportunities in our community.  Following the Second World War a group of people came together to create and coordinate programs for our community.  From skiing to drama, from team sports to gymnastics, many programs flourished under their direction.  The CRA grew out of these early programs and in 1946 Herb Bradley was hired as the first recreation director.  The CRA was incorporated as a registered society in 1947 with Sid Williams as the president. 

Starting with just a few citizens providing recreational opportunities in the 1940's, the Courtenay Recreational Association (CRA) grew to a very large organization that significantly contributed to the development of the municipal recreation and culture in the Comox Valley for over 70 years.  From 1947 to 1996 the CRA administered recreational programs in the City of Courtenay and area.  In 1993, the innovative Building Friendships, an inclusion program, started with funding from the Ministry of Children and Families and continues to run today serving special needs adults.   In 1996 the City of Courtenay absorbed most of the CRA's programs and staff into their newly developed recreation department.  The CRA then took on the role of an advisory board for the City of Courtenay (recreation) while maintaining programming for special needs, inclusion, summer camps and seniors.   In 2017, special needs programming and summer camps programs were turned over to the City. 

The legacy of volunteerism is still very strong with over 150 dedicated volunteers assisting CRA staff with delivering programs.  The CRA is honoured to have instrumental in advancement of community recreation in the Comox Valley.

Today, the CRA continues to fund and manage the Evergreen Club providing social & recreational programs and activities for adults 55+ and Building Friendships: an inclusion program for adults with diverse abilities. 

The Evergreen Club has over 2000 participants and the programs are managed by staff and volunteers.  The Club has over 50 activity clubs.  The club also offers lunch and refreshments Monday through Friday.  The Evergreen Club operates, at the Florence Filberg Centre, under a management agreement with the City of Courtenay.  The City of Courtenay provides program space as well as reception, office and custodial support. 

The Evergreen Club has over 150 volunteers working in a wide variety of positions.    Over 50 volunteers support the kitchen and special events services.  In addition, there are volunteers who work at our special events, prepare income taxes for seniors, and host day trips.  Volunteers donate 50,000 hours every year to support the Evergreen Club.  Volunteering at the club is a wonderful way to meet people in our community and support the organization.  

Each activity club has a volunteer "rep" or Activity Committee who oversee their activity club.  A great place to learn more about the club's activities is the New Members welcome which is scheduled periodically throughout the year.  Check the Evergreen Newsletter for the next date.  

The Evergreen Club is managed by Evergreen Club Staff.  Janet, the CRA Executive Director manages the Evergreen Club and oversees other CRA programs.  Cathy is the Evergreen Club's volunteer & Special Events Coordinator and also support other aspects of club operations. Alisha is our Food Services Coordinator managing the Evergreen lounge kitchen and special events food services.  Paula is our CRA bookkeeper and provides administration support to the Evergreen Club.  

Drop by our Evergreen Club staff offices and say hi to  Janet, Cathy, Rebecca,  Alisha,  and Paula.  We love to meet all new members.