They say many seniors across the province find themselves isolated because they cannot get anywhere to meet people.

 

Dauphin Multi-Purpose Senior Centre Administrator Andre Lorraine says, especially in the Parkland, smaller communities have had to think of ways to engage seniors, but it is often not enough.

 

"Each community finds its ways to do it, but sometimes, to have an organized centre where they can meet seems just to work a little better because then there's more activities for seniors to do other than going for coffee."

 

Lorraine says senior centres, like the one in Dauphin, do great work to bring seniors together. In addition to hosting regular game nights, they meal program allows elder Dauphinites to meet three times a week.

 

"One of the big things we have is our congregate meal program where seniors can come here and have meals three days a week. It's great for socialization to come in and not only have a great quality meal, but the socialization is there."

 

Lorraine and Seniors Vote 2016 are trying to get funds from the Manitoba Government to build more senior centres, so seniors in rural communities are able to go somewhere.

 

Lorraine has been talking to several people in the centre about which issues are the most important to them in the upcoming provincial election in April, and most said affordable housing is at the top of their list, along with rebate credits for things to make their lives easier, like ramps to get in and out of their homes.