The Guelph Wellington Seniors Association (GWSA) is one of Canada’s most significant senior recreational associations providing diverse programs and activities to Guelph and Wellington County. Membership is available to individuals 55+. GWSA was founded in 1987 by the amalgamation of 16 separate senior groups, the GWSA incorporated in 1989 and received its charitable not-for-profit status in 1990. The GWSA is managed by a volunteer Board with support of an Executive Director and hundreds of dedicated volunteers.
The GWSA has received numerous awards for outstanding contributions to the evolution of the advancement of quality senior living, health and recreation over its 35 years. The Association currently has its home in the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre at 683 Woolwich St., in Guelph, ON.
GWSA’s membership had declined due to the pandemic but is experiencing a resurgence as people want to regain some of what they lost over the last two years. Although there were not any in person programs during the pandemic shutdown, some groups continued to meet virtually. This allowed seniors to socially interact on a regular basis participating in the activities they enjoyed.
“We’ve become introverted, and it’s hard to get out there and start where we left off two years ago. Some of us are afraid. GWSA activities provide the opportunity to find ourselves again. Our activities promote learning and strengthen our minds and bodies while we engage in social interaction,” said Pat Gage, Program Committee Chair
On June 10, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the GWSA will be hosting Seriously? Seniors? an Open House to showcase its 40+ activity groups and programs.
This event is open to the general public as well as current GWSA members. Table tennis, badminton, bicycling, canoeing and line dancing groups will be holding demonstrations. Art displays and sales will be offered by the photography club and art groups. The craft, bunka, quilt and woodcarving groups will be demonstrating as well as selling their wares. The Book Nook, the GWSA library, will host a used book sale. There will be other groups on hand such as peer learning, computer mentoring and travel to answer questions and provide information on how these activities can benefit you. Please visit the GWSA website for the event schedule.
Included there will be a Euchre tournament beginning at 12 p.m. and a very special concert at 1:30 pm. You will be entertained by GWSA’s famous Silvertones Choir who are celebrating their 42nd anniversary! Followed by the Silver Strummers ukulele orchestra in their inaugural debut.
Included in this event at 3:30 p.m. there will be a 50/50 and raffle draws (Lottery Licenses M815584 & M815583). The first raffle draw is for the Grand Prize of a $2,000 Vintage Hotels Gift Card! For full event details, a schedule of all events and raffle details with ticket purchase location, please visit the GWSA website.
All sales and lottery proceeds and donations will go towards the many senior programs offered by the GWSA. These programs are vital in keeping seniors active, engaged and involved which promotes healthy independent living.