PROBUS Club of the Gateway

What is PROBUS

PROBUS is a volunteer-based, non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian fellowship organization with over 4,000 clubs worldwide, some 250 being Canadian clubs made up of over 35,000 members. Our clubs are all about encouraging healthy minds and bodies and socializing with other retirees in the community.

In PROBUS you’ll find a wealth of new experiences and a much expanded social network. The opportunities abound in each club with awesome guest speakers, a broad range of interesting activities and social events, stimulating conversation and the chance to explore your community, Canada and the world with new friends. 

Who are the members of PROBUS Club of the Gateway?

At PROBUS Club of the Gateway, our members are men and women who are retired or nearly retired from a wide range of occupations. 

Can I join as an individual or does my spouse/partner need to join too?

You can join as an individual as our club is open to all people, regardless of marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other ground protected in the Human Rights Act.  However, if you have a partner, we encourage them to join if they plan to attend meetings and/or sign up for activities and events with you. 

Do I have to live in Collingwood

While our membership base primarily draws from Collingwood, Wasaga Beach and the Blue Mountains, you do not need to live here to join. 

Is it compulsory to participate in all activities?

Absolutely not, nor is attendance at meetings compulsory.  However it is hoped that once you become a member you participate/volunteer in meetings and/or activities as that’s the best way to meet people and get involved.

How much does it cost to be a member?

The cost is $50 per person each year. There is a one-time initiation fee of $20 to cover the cost of your name badge. 

Note:  while we don't prorate the membership fee for new members who join part way through the year, new members who join after June 30,  and pay the annual membership fee plus the one time charge for a name tag, do not need to pay the annual renewal fee until October of the following year.  In essence, new members who join between July 1 and September 30  will get up to 3 months of membership for free.  

When does Membership renewal take place?

Annual membership renewal takes place in October.    After October 31, membership opens up to new members to replace those who haven’t renewed.  

How often are meetings and where are they held?

We hold our Regular Meetings on the third Tuesday of each month.   We meet at the Collingwood Legion, 490 Ontario Street, Collingwood. 

What happens at the meetings?

The first half of the meeting is used to communicate upcoming club activities and events, to conduct club business, and to hear a short “tale of interest” shared by one of our members.  This part of the meeting is followed by a break where there is ample time to refill your coffee mug, catch up with friends, and mingle with other club members.   The second part of the meeting is used to showcase a guest speaker.  There is time for a Q & A afterwards and meetings adjourn by noon.

What are the guidlines for guest speakers?

The PROBUS Club of the Gateway invites all interested speakers to share their voice, experience, knowledge and expertise with our members in a diverse, inclusive and equitable manner. It is understood by all members of the Club that the PROBUS Club of the Gateway does not endorse nor support any opinions or biases that may be shared by any speaker. It is expected that individual members of the PROBUS Club of the Gateway will form their own thoughts and ideas based on the information shared by any speaker.

More specifically, the PROBUS Club of the Gateway does not permit any speaker to discuss personal political or religious beliefs or proselytize in any manner. Likewise, since the PROBUS Club of the Gateway does not participate in any fund raising, speakers are not permitted to raise funds from the members of the PROBUS Club of the Gateway during their presentation. 

Are Guests allowed at the meetings?

We encourage members to bring Guests as it’s a great way for us to showcase our club. Many Guests like to get a sense of Club membership and activities before they commit to joining.  Guests can only attend once before joining. 

Does the Club do fundraising activities?

No. PROBUS Clubs do not do any fundraising. This is not the purpose of PROBUS.

Can I pay for an event, join, or renew my membership any other way besides a credit card?

No, the only way to pay is online via a  credit card.  We accept Visa and Master Card.

If I’ve already paid for an event and something comes up and I can’t go, can I get a refund?

Generally, refunds are not given. The primary reason for this is that event organizers frequently make a non-refundable financial commitment to secure an event and need revenue from ticket sales from members to cover this.    If a member has paid for an event and finds they can’t attend, the member is encouraged to privately sell their ticket to another member or to check with the event organizer to see if there is a waiting list.  If there is, the member can approach someone on the list and make a private sale.

How many members are in Gateway PROBUS?

We currently have ~240 members and hope to grow to 300 once our new web platform is fully operational.  Our membership is  capped at 300 members to ensure there is sufficient space for members to attend the monthly meeting events and activities of their choice.  

Can non-members participate in the club’s activities?

Non-members may attend up to one function as an invited guest.  After that time, they are encouraged to join the club.  Guest are not invited to participate in more than one activity because our Club was formed and is operated for the benefit of its members. They finance its operation and do the work of running activity groups and events. Their interests are not being served by activities that are limited because of non-members.

How many activities does PROBUS Club of the Gateway have on average per year?

We strive for a minimum of 3 activities per month.  On average, you can choose from approximately 40 activities per year.

Can groups other than PROBUS promote their events to our membership?

The purpose of PROBUS is to provide opportunities for members to meet others in similar circumstances, to make new friends, and to maintain and expand their interests.  As a result, club activities are directed solely towards acquaintance, fellowship, and learning.  The club is non-political and non-sectarian and will not, nor appear to be, a fund raising or service club.  If a non PROBUS group wants to promote an event to our members, they should send an email to gatewaymembership1@gmail.com  The request will be reviewed by our Membership Co-chairs who will determine if the event meets PROBUS criteria.  If it does, you will be invited to provide the wording for an e blast that will be sent to our membership at large.   If you are looking for face time at an upcoming meeting, the Membership chair will review your request with the rest of the Management team before getting back to you.  (Rev 11/24)

PROBUS Canada have a policy on serving alcohol at PROBUS events?

PROBUS Canada takes no stance on serving alcohol. Each club is independent, with the only requirement being that they follow the Standard Constitution for Probus Clubs. Clubs are expected to follow provincial/federal laws and regulations in all matters, including serving alcohol.

Can the general public access personal information about members such as name, address, phone number, and email address from the PROBUS Club of the Gateway website?

No.  Personal information about members is accessible only to members.  In fact, when new members join our Club, or existing members renew, they are asked to give PROBUS Club of the Gateway authorization to publish their personal information (name, address, phone number, email) in the PROBUS Club of the Gateway directory which is visible to members only.

Can the general public see photos of our members enjoying Club events on the PROBUS Club of the Gateway website?

Yes.  Photos of members enjoying Club events may be viewed by the general public.  However, photos accessible to the public will not contain any personal information about members (name, address, phone number, email).  Only members have access to personal information about other members.

Who is Wild Apricot and how do we know our data is kept secure and private?

Wild Apricot is the company we have contracted with for our Membership Management Software.  In excess of 30 PROBUS Clubs in Canada are currently using the same software. 

Here is a link to their data security policy:

https://www.wildapricot.com/data-protection

Here is a link to their privacy policy:

https://www.wildapricot.com/legal-center/privacy-policy

What is PROBUS Club of the Gateway’s privacy policy?

Our privacy policy can be found on every page of our web site.  It is on the left hand side of the blue lower banner.