Nord-Bridge has its own style

By Lethbridge Herald on December 18, 2025.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) and Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre are two distinct complementary senior hubs in Lethbridge with key differences in their history, focus, and operations. But in essence they aren’t competing organizations but offer different approaches and services both aiming to effectively serve Lethbridge seniors. 

“Seniors are often forgotten about in the community, when really, they have contributed to the community through the workforce, volunteering, and local economy,” says Nord-Bridge executive director David Ng. 

“Many seniors have healthy retirement savings however, there are many seniors in the community that live on a fixed low income that at times is below the poverty line. Nord-Bridge and LSCO offer programs (and) activities and support services where seniors can gather with their peers to develop a strong community of seniors in Lethbridge.”

While both centres provide essential social and support services for seniors in 2025, the primary differences between the LSCO and Nord-Bridge lie in their location, facility scale, and specific program focus.

“We’re happy when seniors are able to access social, educational, fitness programming and senior support services at either centre. Whether a senior participates here or there; that senior is less likely to be socially isolated,” says Ng. 

Established in 1975 (and having just marked its 50th anniversary), LSCO is the elder sibling and is located near City Hall, offering many in-home support programs (like meals, cleaning) and activities. 

Billed as “The Friendly Centre” and established in 1980 in North Lethbridge, Nord-Bridge focuses on building a unique community hub, managing its own building (Association Ownership), and providing varied programs, though both centres aim to support senior independence and well-being. 

“What we do best is we’re the senior center that does a mix of fitness, art, mental health and wellness, classes, mixed with senior assistance programs…our dining room,” says program co-ordinator Ashley Kern. “It’s kind of a one-stop shop for everyone that’s 55 and older.”

As the established, foundational senior organization in Lethbridge, LSCO has a strong emphasis on in-home support and community connection for holistic wellness.

LSCO offers a wide array of services for independent living, including house cleaning, lawn/snow care, Meals on Wheels, and transportation (Drive Happiness) alongside social and recreational activities.

Created to complement LSCO and develop its own identity, distinct organizational culture and diverse programs, Nord-Bridge’s scope is to be a community hub focused on socialization, education and other activities (with a unique management model because the organization owns its building).

Nord-Bridge offers a “community vibe” that focuses on fostering a “small-town” friendly atmosphere in North Lethbridge. It operates a gift boutique that accepts member consignments and hosts intergenerational programs with local children. 

It features the “Fitness 55 Club,” a low-impact gym specifically designed for seniors with 2025-updated equipment and personal training; and hosts weekly licensed Bingo and specialized “Keep-In-Touch” programs for isolated seniors.

“Most of the programs, like carpet bowling, floor shuffleboard, or drop-in card programs…anything that’s not like a session-based class where they have to pay for it are run by volunteers. And they’re all members that are volunteers. They help set up for the program (and) they help take down. They help get more people for the program, so the volunteers help a lot,” says Kern.

Like almost all not-for-profit organizations, what LSCO and Nord-Bridge have in common is their continual need for stable funding and also volunteers to help keep serving the needs of Lethbridge seniors.

“Like many non-profits we are always looking for ways to generate funds through fundraising, donations, corporate sponsorship and driving business to our incredible Dunford Diner. The community can help support us in our fundraising efforts (ie, Car Raffle, Under Northern Lights Gala), Our Dunford Diner is open to the public so anyone can come in to dine” says David Ng.

Both centres share a standard annual senior membership fee of $60.

For more information about Nord-Bridge programs, to donate or to volunteer visit: nordbridgeseniors.com.