[News] Year in Review: Veiner Centre focused on reducing social isolation while increasing senior food security

In 2023, the Unison at Veiner Centre focused on reducing social isolation by adding several new programs, opening a bistro and patio as well as strengthening its programs that provide healthy meals for seniors. The centre says it now has more members and volunteers than before the flood and COVID pandemic.

This year the Veiner Centre increased by more than 500 members and is seeing more people access its services from communities surrounding Medicine Hat. Currently the Veiner Centre has more than 1,600 active members.

“I think that speaks really loudly that some of our seniors in the community were feeling very isolated during COVID. And they’re feeling very comfortable to come down to the Veiner Centre and do some socialization and interacting with people,” says director Cori Fischer.

The Veiner Centre has expanded its programming with 15 new non-traditional activities that include Tai Chi, yoga, a bike club, bocce ball, rock painting and there is even a class that teaches seniors how to walk like a runway model called ‘Glammy Grammys.’

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