The Veiner Centre will celebrate one-year under the Kirby Centre's management with a barbecue Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Medicine Hat’s Veiner Centre continues to create spaces and foster connections for community members aged 50-plus, one year after reopening under new management.
Established in the 1970s as a membership-based, senior recreation facility, the centre has faced numerous challenges over the past decade which left its future uncertain. In 2020, the city put out a request for a new contract operator, hoping to reduce municipal expenses and enhance membership and expand programming. In early 2021, the contract was awarded to Calgary’s Kirby Centre and reopened in September, 2021.
Kirby Centre CEO Larry Mathieson admits there were some challenges – especially the pandemic – however he’s proud of how far the centre has come.
“There’s been kind of a continual growth over the year,” Mathieson said. “Today, we’re at 1,096 members … That is actually more members than we had when we closed due to COVID.”
In addition to increasing membership numbers, Mathieson says the Veiner Centre team has worked to expand the centre’s programming and activities.
“My team has done a really good job working with the community and creating a lot of partnerships that are beneficial to seniors and added value,” he said. “This year, they’ve added 25 new partnerships (and) 30 new activities.”
Among the new additions are a free-of-charge food market offered in partnership with the Root Cellar, a seniors’ self-defence class taught by Badlands Training Centre and a heightened emphasis on mental and physical well-being.
Mathieson is also proud of Veiner Centre staff for taking over operations of existing programs and activities, like Meals on Wheels.
“We look at Meals on Wheels, as a way to help seniors who can’t prepare their own meals, but we also look at it much beyond that,” he said. “It’s a program that not only nourishes people, but it also reduces isolation and creates a social safety net for seniors who are alone or isolated … In a given month, our volunteers deliver over 2,000 meals.”
Community connections, Mathieson feels, are at the heart of the Veiner Centre. And staff, volunteers and members agree.
“When you’re around here for any length of time you get to know the faces,” volunteer of eight years Pat Dietrich said. “It’s nice when you see people come for the first time and they’re a little hesitant because their circumstances have changed … and then after a few months you see them involved in clubs or coming for meals. It’s nice to see that sense of community.”
“It’s a meeting place,” said member Bob Tetz. “Friendships are made here. Acquaintances are made here. Families come here. So it’s a great facility for the senior population.”
Mathieson is glad to hear positive feedback and thanks staff and volunteers for their effort to create a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Mathieson hopes to continue expanding and enhancing the centre’s reach. And he encourages anyone interested in learning more to connect with centre staff during the upcoming one-year celebration barbecue and open-house, taking place Sept. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Open to members and non-members, the event will feature a $5 barbecue lunch including cake. After which, attendees may join in free tours. Door prizes and raffles will be drawn.
Meal tickets are available for pre-order or can be purchased at the door. To reserve tickets, call 403-529-830.
