Member Stories
“I first discovered Centre 55 in the mid 1990’s.
Since I don’t have any family in the Toronto area the monthly bus trips, dinners and other periodic events like BBQ’s in the summer are my main social life and they are always so much fun and so well organized.
Thank you Centre 55 for all you do for seniors in the neighbourhood”
Ginny H
“Community Centre 55 has been a very welcome addition to our lives. Wilma and I attend fundraisers for those in need, community events, and go on fantastic escorted day trips and are very well looked after by the amazing staff. The last few years have also introduced us to many new friends. BRAVO CC55!”
Wayne and Wilma Thorpe
Volunteering at Centre 55 has profoundly impacted my life. I am a newcomer to Canada, having relocated from South Africa in January 2024. Volunteering has enabled me to meet people and learn about the culture and traditions of my new home. I have been met with friendliness and encouragement by the staff of Centre 55 and the members of the community with whom I have interacted. When I have had questions, people have gone out of their way to assist, often beyond expectations. I have met individuals who have become friends, which has eased my transition into my new life. Also, as a recent retiree, volunteering has ensured that I feel useful and part of the wider community
Mary-Ann
From the welcoming, accessible staff, experienced, motivational instructors through to friendly, inclusive members, CC55’s classes, workshops, trips and events are designed to suit the varied interests, individual levels and enhanced well-being of its seniors — exercising, relaxation, creativity, social connections and fun. (Link: See this season’s program)”
Personally I’m grateful for CC55’s programs that have helped my post-operation recovery. I’m also grateful for the staff’s open mindedness and listening to seniors’ requests–e.g., after I requested the possibility of ukulele classes being offered about five years ago, our ukulele class continues to thrive.
Many of us are from the original class. With Zoom’s help during the pandemic’s lockdown we’ve never lost our keen participation. Valued friendships have formed. We continue to gain confidence, learn new chords, strumming patterns and improve our playing skills thanks to our talented and wonderful instructor, Cheryl Reid.
As credible research continues to document, in order to live well, it’s important for seniors’ to actively participate in social events, exercises for the body and mind, laughing often and having fun — CC55 offers all of this, and more!
Donene Lashbrook
Centre 55 is my favorite place next to home – it feels like home!
For the past 15 years I have enjoyed the seniors’ programs which have evolved into a “something for everyone” menu. I have made many friends and kept my mind and body active.
Thank you Centre 55 and the wonderful staff and volunteers who are always so welcoming
Anne Campbell-Smith
I’ve been a member at Centre 55 for 10 years. I had retired and was looking for things to do. A friend told me that Center 55 offers free movies at the Fox Theatre. I went and that’s how I met my friends, Bob and Joan. They said I’ve got to sign up at CC55. I was so well received. I joined Chair Yoga and still attend, as well as other classes. This Centre is so kind to everyone.
We’ve had new staff who work hard to keep us eager to receive emails with different trips to various places of interest from Niagara Falls to Wine tasting and various events like the monthly pasta dinners, fish and chips dinners, and soup tasting competition.
All this great work put in by the staff to keep us happy.
I’ve heard some members say to me, I wouldn’t have had so much fun had I stayed home.
I would like to thank the entire staff for taking such good care of us
Jo-Anne
Community Centre 55 is a wonderful place for people of all ages. As a senior I have participated and volunteered in their programs for the past 10 years. The Share a Christmas Program is an enormous undertaking every year that helps so many families. None of this would be possible without the amazing and hardworking staff
Diane D.
Community Centre 55 is an intimate welcoming space with a heart.
The staff are friendly, kind and helpful.
An amazing variety of programs are offered for seniors: fitness, music, creative and game pursuits, plus drop-ins, seniors trips and special monthly dinners.
Since retiring, for me, CC 55 has been the place to go for exercise, creativity, friendship and fun.
Thank you!
Lynne Gallagher
It has been almost a year and a half since I joined Community Centre 55 on the recommendation of a friend – and I am glad I did!
It has become a “home away from home”. The benefits are physical, mental, and emotional. I wouldn’t exercise vigorously for an hour without the exercise classes! Other classes are great for mental stimulation and the sharing of ideas. The social connections for a senior living alone are invaluable. I’ve enjoyed Friday suppers for seniors, a wonderful bus trip, and the annual soup tasting. It’s all wonderful!
Peggy Irwin
So many seniors are lonely, depressed and isolated and that is because they don’t have a Centre 55 in their lives. Centre 55 is an excellent second home for seniors. The staff and volunteers are warm and welcoming. They can’t do enough for us. The programs are varied and cover all the needs for healthy, happy living in our later years. They also offer great day trips throughout the years to theatres and special events in Toronto and outside the GTA. These trips are always memorable and very affordable. Because the environment at the Centre is so caring and positive the seniors are friendly and engage happily with one another. I have been fortunate enough to have made many good friends over the years at Centre 55. We are all so very lucky to have such a great place to gather and enjoy our golden years