South Interlake 55 Plus fosters a sense of belonging during the holidays and throughout the entire year.
The mission of the not-for-profit charitable organization is to encourage all older adults to improve their quality of life by providing educational, recreational, health and social opportunities through various programs.
This volunteer-based organization has 400 members from the rural municipalities Woodlands, Rockwood, Rosser and the town of Stonewall, as well as surrounding areas.
“We welcome everyone. We have an extensive list of programs, including active wellness exercise, pickleball, line dancing and various types of card programs, which all are available up to seven days a week,” said executive director Deborah Hildebrandt.
“There is a travel club, which organizes outings to various events and trips that take place on a monthly basis. The book, woodcarving, quilting and ukulele club are all a part of the South Interlake 55 Plus centres also.”
All adults are welcome to join both day and evening programs. Pickleball is open to adults of any age from 18 to 100-plus. The pickleball group meets on a drop-in basis on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Stony Mountain School and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Collège Stonewall Collegiate.
“It has been proven that socialization increases cognitive functions. The World Health Organization has now developed a term called ‘social prescribing,’ which means connecting adults to a range of non-clinical services in the community to improve their health and well-being,” Hildebrandt said. “We hosted an event about social prescribing to learn about this new initiative, with hopes to engage more older adults in community.”
On Dec. 13, South Interlake 55 Plus hosted a Christmas luncheon at its location in the Odd Fellows Hall (374 1st St. West). The catered meal included turkey with all the trimmings. As well, Santa dropped by to hand out a few surprise gifts while the Stonewall Strummers ukulele group entertained the crowd.
“The South Interlake 55 Plus strives to provide a service in the community that fosters a sense of belonging and opportunity to experience a positive lifestyle by providing recreational and educational programs, which supports older adults to live healthy independent lives,” Hildebrandt added.
Membership for South Interlake 55 Plus costs $25 per year, and you don’t need to be 55 or older to become a member. Membership provides access to free programs as well as discounts on paid programs and trips. Members aged 55 and older also have a chance to vote at the AGM and join the board.
To sign up for a membership, drop by the South Interlake 55 Plus office at 374 1st St. West on Tuesday to Thursday from 8:30 to 4 p.m. More information is also available online at https://www.si55plus.org/ or by calling 204-467-2582.
Tribune Photos by Lana Meier
