Discover Probus: Fun, friendship, fellowship in retirement

By Michelle Bien on January 3, 2026.

This past October was Probus month, celebrating 38 years in Canada. Probus Medicine Hat & Region has just celebrated its third anniversary!

What is Probus? Probus clubs are inclusive social clubs for men and women from all walks of life who are retired or semi-retired. It is not a service organization, but rather an organization that focuses on having fun, fellowship, forming friendships, having new adventures and learning.

How can Probus benefit you? Social circles can shrink after you leave work behind. Daily interactions with colleagues and after work get-togethers disappear. Meeting people can be a challenge once you retire. Retirement can sometimes feel like an identity shift. Probus is a ready made community of people who are in the same stage of life.

Probus taps into something fundamental about human nature – we have this desire to connect, to belong, to learn, to grow. Probus provides the framework for all of that in a way that is accessible, affordable and enjoyable. It opens the door to a whole new world of connections, experiences and friendships – embracing the freedom and flexibility of retirement while also staying connected and engaged with the world around you.

Probus is a worldwide non-profit organization in more than 20 countries, with 252 clubs in Canada and almost 36,000 members.

Probus is a social club, not a service club. It is a volunteer-based, low-cost, inclusive, non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian organization focused on promoting fellowship, friendship, fun and learning.

Here are some comments from current members about why they enjoy Probus:

“Having new friends I would never have met otherwise.” “Friendly gatherings, no fundraising, non-committal attendance.” “Being a part of Probus has given me more family.” “I’ve learned more about our community.” “Learning a great deal from the speakers – especially the travel adventures – learn more about the world.”

Here are some comments from current members about why new people should join:

“Meeting new friends from different walks of life, appreciating their occupations and life experiences.” “We laugh and have fun.” “It keeps you active and involved.” “To be socially active, to see more of our community”

“Well organized club – nice people” “Opportunity to meet others – contribute. Learn new things. Join in the fun, varied activities”

The Probus Club of Medicine Hat and Region meets on the first Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Veiner Centre. There are interesting guest speakers, activities and fun outings which have included Christmas light tours, Murray Lake Colony tour, an EMS Station tour and many more. You are welcome to come and join any meeting and see what the club is about. For more information contact president Michelle Bien at probusmedicinehat@yahoo.com

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