55 Plus Blog;
We will post news that is relevant to our membership here.
The Emergency Boarding program provides temporary pet housing for individuals in emergency situations, for example a brief hospital stay, a natural disaster, or housefire. Please contact our Intake Department directly, 204-982-2021 option 5, to see if you qualify.
Our Emergency Pet Food Bank collects and distributes pet food to those who are not able to buy food for their animals, whether it’s due to financial or personal situations. We welcome all food donations to support this initiative. More details on how to apply to be a recipient of the emergency pet food can be found on our website. To apply, go to: https://winnipeghumanesociety.ca/your-family-pet/programs-community-support-services/emergency-food-bank/.
Our Urgent Care program offers low cost, short-term veterinary care for pets who have been diagnosed with an urgent condition and their owners are not able to afford that care at their own clinic. Our goal is to help pets get through an urgent medical situation on a short-term basis. Please contact our WHS Clinic directly to see if you qualify and to apply: 204-982-2036.*Please note this subsidized low cost veterinary care is made possible through the generosity of our donors.
The SafePet Program provides temporary pet housing for individuals leaving their abusive partners. If you are a crisis shelter seeking pet foster parents on behalf of people entering your shelter, contact us at 204-982-2021, option 5.
Senior Centre Without Walls through A & O: Support Services for Older Adults offers free educational and recreational programs over the phone. The program reaches out to socially isolated older adults 55+ living in Manitoba. Individuals and groups are welcome. There is no cost to register. We will call in all registered participants 10 minutes before programming begins. Participants will also be given a toll-free number to access programs on their own if needed (no pins or access codes required).
In our guide you will find the following topics plus a whole lot more!
(204) 956-6440
The Manitoba Energy Justice Coalition Rally:
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm
Place: Premier Wab Kinew's Office, 565 Osborne Street, Winnipeg and potentially around the Fort Rouge Leisure Centre, 625 Osborne Street, Winnipeg
The three key messages of this rally include:
Keep Manitoba from burning (wildfires)
More wind and solar power (renewable energy)
Respect Indigenous sovereignty
In the last few weeks, our Financial Crime Unit has received numerous reports of the Grandparent Scam, a financial scam or fraud that we reported on last Fall. Scammers are using fear to trick people - especially seniors - into handing over money fast. They pretend to be a loved one in trouble and say they need help right away.
This scam usually targets older adults. A scammer calls and pretends to be a grandchild - or someone calling for them. They say there’s been an emergency and they need money immediately. It could be for bail, hospital bills, lawyer fees, or other urgent costs. They often claim the money is needed to stay out of jail.
Pretend to be police officers, lawyers, or even your grandchild
Use fear and pressure to make you act quickly
Say there’s a “gag order” so you can’t talk about it with anyone
Ask for cash or cryptocurrency, and either pick it up in person or ask you to mail it
Be cautious of calls asking for money right away
If someone says they’re a family member in trouble, hang up and call them directly using a number you already know
If the caller says they’re from law enforcement, hang up and call your local police using a trusted number - not one the caller gives you
Remember: In Canada, you can’t bail someone out of jail with cash or cryptocurrency. Police will never come to your house to collect money.
If something feels off, trust your instincts - it probably is.
This free six-week course is designed to provide family and informal caregivers with practical tools to better care for themselves while caring for others. Participants will learn strategies to manage stress, improve communication, and navigate difficult emotions and decisions with greater confidence.
Dates: September 3 – October 8
Time: Wednesday evenings, 6:00–7:30 PM
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free of charge
Ideal for: Anyone providing care for an older adult in the community (family, friend, neighbor etc.)
A & O: Support Services for Older Adults
Did you know that there are many benefits for seniors that you might be eligible to claim? This link connects you to a booklet called It's a Fact: Better Income Can Lead to Better Health. Take a look, just read the sections on Seniors. You never know, there might be something for you.
We’re taking our Primary Transit Network information on the road!
Our Information Bus has been outfitted with facts about our new network. When it goes out, our Travel Trainers will be on board to answer your questions.
Here’s where you’ll be able to find us:
Standing Up for Seniors: Manitoba Marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15
On June 15, 2025, communities across the globe will observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a United Nations–designated day that shines a spotlight on the mistreatment of older adults and promotes their rights, safety, and dignity.
Elder abuse can take many forms—including physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. It affects an estimated 8–10% of Canadian seniors each year. Warning signs may include unexplained injuries, changes in mood or behavior, and sudden withdrawal from social activities. WEAAD unites individuals, organizations, and governments in a shared commitment to end elder abuse and ensure that aging is experienced with respect and security.
In Manitoba, Prevent Elder Abuse Manitoba (PEAM) is a key partner in this effort. The organization works closely with senior serving community organizations, law enforcement, service providers, and the public to raise awareness, deliver education, and offer resources that help protect and empower older adults.
How Manitobans Can Support WEAAD 2025
There are several ways individuals and organizations can take part in WEAAD this year:
Please view our upcoming Spring/Summer Program Guide in the attachment provided. The guide will be live on our website, along with a fillable worksheet to register right away.
Welcome to Senior Centre Without Walls!
The physical guides are due to arrive in the next few weeks! If you would like to receive copies of our guide or posters (front page of the guide) mailed to you, please respond to this e-mail stating your mailing address and quantity desired. Quantities may be limited. Thank you for helping us get the word out about this program to older adults across the province. It's more important than ever for us to stay connected to one another!
NOTE: A new order is required for each term. Please contact us to receive guides, even if you have received them in the past.
Thank you,
Stacey Paton (she/her)Program Assistant
200-207 Donald St
Winnipeg, MB R3C 1M5
Archwood 55 Plus Inc is a non-profit organization serving seniors 55 plus located at 565 Guilbault Street Winnipeg, Manitoba R2J 0R2
