GNALC hosting open house week

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This article was published 12/08/2016 (3586 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If you are curious about what goes on at the Good Neighbours Active Living Centre, mark the week of Aug. 29. to Sept. 2 on your calendar.

That’s the centre’s open house week, where everyone is invited to 720 Henderson Hwy. to try some of the centre’s many programs for free.

It would take more than one week to try everything. Good Neighbours offers many different fitness classes, drop-in card and games afternoons, art and music sessions, and special interest classes on everything from religion to birds to travel.

Executive director Susan Sader said the week is the perfect time for people who are curious about trying something but who are not ready to commit to drop by Good Neighbours. They can meet the instructors, tour the building and visit with other seniors.

Program co-ordinator Jessica Veitch said the fitness classes are very popular. All instructors are certified by the Manitoba Fitness Council to teach classes to seniors. Before a class begins, the instructor meets with each participant to learn about their current fitness level, any physical limitations and their goals for the program. The movements in each class can be modified so people of all abilities can take part.

“The fantastic thing abut our instructors is they have that knowledge and certification and they know the abilities of people going into the class,” Veitch said.

The cost of an eight-week class varies, but always averages less than $8 per week, Veitch added.

Many people purchase an annual $35 membership to Good Neighbours, but it is not mandatory, Sader explained. Members receive program discounts of $35 per class.

People who want to try a class but who have financial limitations can work with Good Neighbours to find a solution.

“We don’t want financial limitations to be a barrier for anybody,” Sader said

No matter their interests, one thing visitors quickly learn about Good Neighbours is the roster  of more than 260 volunteers is top-notch, Sader offered.

“We have fantastic volunteers. They’re great about chatting with people and helping them see things they might be interested in.”

Many of those volunteers also take the classes and can help newcomers feel right at home, Veitch said. They often serve as second instructors by working one-on-one with new members.
That social aspect continues once classes are over, Sader said. Good Neighbours has a weekday lunch program that offers another opportunity for people to connect.

Put it all together and it does not take long to fit in, Sader said.

“One of my favorite things about Good Neighbours is seeing people who don’t know anyone come in and make those connections. Within a few weeks they know many people.

“It’s a very great place to meet people and create meaningful relationships.”

Classes begin the week of Sept. 12. Call 204-669-1710 for more information.

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