About

A Welcoming Hub for Adults 50+

Good Companions has been serving adults 50+ in Southwest Calgary for over 50 years.

The club was inspired by Mary O’Rourke after she visited a similar group in Ottawa. On March 11, 1973, she gathered community members to create a welcoming, non-denominational drop-in centre.

The organization was incorporated in 1974 and moved to its current location in 1977.

Today, Good Companions continues to provide programs, social connection, and wellness opportunities for adults 50+.

Mary O’Rourke, Founder

MISSION: To provide a welcoming space where adults 50+ can stay active, connected, and engaged.

VISION: To be a trusted community hub supporting healthy aging in Calgary.

About Our Area: Killarney

Located in the heart of Killarney, our club is proud to be part of a neighbourhood with a rich and meaningful history.

From Prairie to Community

Killarney wasn’t originally part of Calgary. It was open prairie until plans were registered in 1906 and the area was officially annexed in 1910.

Richmond Road, which borders Killarney, follows a much older route once used by Indigenous peoples travelling west—reminding us this land has a deeper history.

In 1906, during Calgary’s boom, a rancher named Thomas Jackson invited Irish families to come to Canada and build a new life. He created the neighbourhood of Killarney—named to reflect those roots and the people who would call it home.

A Place for Connection

Killarney began as a place where people came looking for belonging, community, and a fresh start.

That same spirit is at the heart of the Good Companions 50+ Club today. Many of our members live locally, and the club continues to be a place where friendships are built, people stay active, and everyone feels welcome.

Why It Matters to Us

Being part of Killarney means being part of a long tradition of community connection. Just as people came here over 100 years ago to build a life, we continue to create a space where people can come together, support one another, and feel at home.

Acknowledgement:

This overview is based on an article in the Killarney–Glengarry community newsletter by local historian Joey Stewart titled “Imagine”.

Get to know Good Companions

Hear from our program coordinator, Shauna Trainor, in this introductory video to the Good Companions 50 Plus Club.

Staff

Padraig McMullan

Executive Director

gc50plus@gmail.com

Shauna Trainor

Program Coordinator

shaunatgc50plus@gmail.com

Caitlyn O’Connor

Club Coordinator

caitlynogc50plus@gmail.com

Board of Directors

President: Mary Anderson

Vice President: Helen Serrurier

Treasurer: Rena Villeneuve

Secretary: Matthew Dorozio

Directors: Ann Orr, Robert Bhatty, Tony Iuliani, Marilyn Neary, Jane MacDonald, Lorna Stasiuk, Norene Ritchot

Our Board of Directors is made up of dedicated volunteers who support the mission and direction of the Good Companions 50 Plus Club