Like almost every other event planned for Spring 2020, the Bradford Probus clubs have had to postpone their 10 year anniversary celebration which was set to happen in June at Minho's Restaurant in the downtown core, with a 'Starry Night' theme.
Ontario District 2 Director, Brenda Andrews said it has been difficult for members not being able to socialize, which is what the club is all about.
Probus started in Canada in 1985, for retired and semi-retired individuals looking to keep busy and active in their communities.
There are 255 clubs all across Canada, men's, women's and mixed groups, with 38,000 members. In Ontario, there are about 175 Probus clubs with a total of 27,547 members.
Bradford got its first club in 2010, and have grown into two clubs: Probus Club of Bradford and Probus Club of BWG. They typically meet monthly at St. John's Presbyterian Church, but with the recent phyiscal distancing measures in place, the groups will be starting virtual meetings using Zoom this month.
Andrews and her husband Don moved to Bradford 15 years ago, and joined Probus as a way to meet new friends. She has been active in the Probus community ever since, and in addition to her directir role, she is the Treasurer for Probus Canada.
Andrews said despite the current pandemic, the group is still planning for the future, but in a different way.
"We also have a phone tree, where we are assigned a few members to call, to make sure they are okay and if they need any groceries or just a pick me up," she explained. "Hopefully we will be able to resume our activities and meetings in the near future."