Bolton and District Probus club looking to grow membership in 2023

Club wants to raise its visibility in the community

By Zachary Roman

Retired and semi-retired people looking to socialize, learn, and be engaged in their community can check out a Bolton Probus club meeting.

The Bolton and District Probus club has been around since 1996; its inception took place on May 9 of that year. This May will mark 27 years of Bolton Probus. Current club president Larry O'Donnell said the organization has been expanding its membership lately and is looking to further this trend in the coming year.

“We want to promote our club, a lot of people aren't aware of the club in Town,” said O'Donnell, who noted that membership in the club is open to any and all retired and semi-retired people. “We're inclusive and inviting.”

Probus clubs are volunteer-based non-profit fellowship organizations, and are offshoots of Rotary clubs. There's over 4,000 Probus clubs worldwide and 255 in Canada. While Rotary clubs take on a fundraising focus, Probus clubs focus on fellowship, learning, socializing, and fun.

The Bolton Probus club elects a Board of Directors each year that manage the club's operations. There's a president and vice-president, secretary, treasurer, past president, membership chairperson, social activities chairperson, speakers committee chairperson, and member at large on the board.

Visiting speakers are a big draw for Bolton Probus club members. The club is proud to attract a wide range of interesting speakers who give free presentations to club members on a variety of topics. For example, the club recently featured Dr. Tara Paton, head of the genetic program at Sick Kids Hospital, who educated listeners on advances being made at the hospital.

“We have terrific guest speakers… we invite people from all different professions to come present to us,” said O'Donnell.

Bolton Probus club meetings take place at the Albion Bolton Community Centre in the second-floor auditorium. The club meets on the second Thursday of each month from September until June, with the exception of December when it meets on the first Thursday of the month.

The meetings usually start at 9:30 or 10 a.m. and guest speakers present for around 45 minutes. Following the speaker, there's time for questions from the audience. Then the club's business meeting takes place, finishing around noon.

For first time guests, there's a $5 fee to attend a meeting, and those who are then interested in becoming a Bolton Probus member pay a reasonable yearly membership fee. 

In addition to meetings, O'Donnell explained the club has greatly expanded its social clubs and activities. There's currently two book clubs running through the group, as well as movie nights and excursions to places like galleries.

“It's really taken off,” said O'Donnell. “It's a really fun group of people.”

Due to the age range of Bolton Probus members (55-89 at present), the club does still require mandatory masking at its meetings. O'Donnell said this decision remains in place for the time being to ensure the health and well-being of all Probus members who enjoy coming out to meetings.

O'Donnell said it's really important for seniors to socialize and get out in the community, and that, for him, Bolton Probus has been great for that. He said he enjoys keeping active with the club, and as president he's often on phone calls or working on various club-related activities. 

For those looking to learn more about Bolton Probus, become a member, or ask any questions about it, O'Donnell is the point of contact. His phone number is 905-857-0800 and his email is lodonnc516@rogers.com. There's also the Bolton Probus website that interested parties can visit at probusbolton.ca.