Battlefords Probus Club helps retirees find friendship and community

Members can take part in a variety of interest-based groups throughout the month, including travel, walking, book clubs, cards and bridge. One newer activity, called “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?,” has also become popular.

“We have some people that agree to host a dinner, and then other people will sign up that they want to attend the dinner. So whoever’s putting it on never knows who’s coming and the people that are going never know where they’re going until that time.”

(Image Credit: submitted/ Battlefords Probus Club)

The club also organizes field trips and invites community speakers to its meetings, giving members opportunities to learn.

“We’ve toured the Fred Light Museum here in Battleford. We’ve had a little lesson in microbrewing out at the armoury, went to the sewer plant, power plants, different things like that just to learn about what’s sort of going on within the community,” she said.

(Image Credit: submitted/ Battlefords Probus Club)

Skotniski said the activities help members develop closer friendships while giving them something to look forward to throughout the week.

“Sometimes we’ll be contacted by somebody who says, ‘I’d like my mother to join,’” Skotniski said. “I think that’s why people come. There’s a lot of opportunity for people to get together.”

Many of the club’s activities come from members themselves. When someone suggests a new group, organizers circulate a sign-up sheet to gauge interest. There is no limit to the number of activities members can propose or join, and Skotniski hopes to add more to the lineup.

(Image Credit: submitted/ Battlefords Probus Club)

The club hopes to reach approximately 100 members, although continued growth will depend in part on finding a venue large enough to accommodate everyone.

For one member, joining has made a significant difference in their social life.

“Before Probus, I could maybe count on one hand how many friends I had. Now I have 80,” the member laughed.

The International Probus Club is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, with more than 200,000 members across Canada. To mark the milestone, the Town of Battleford held a flag-raising ceremony earlier this month.

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alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com

by Alyssa Rudolph

Battlefords Probus Club helps retirees find friendship and community

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