News

Human Resources has just finalized the SunLife group benefit renewal and we now know the May 1, 2026 impact to benefit premium rates for retirees.

There will be no change to premium rates for the Old retiree Extended Health Coverage or Dental premium rates (impacting those who retired pre-1996 with a different benefit plan design).   

There is also no change to premium rates for the New retiree dental plan.   

Premium rates for the newer retiree extended Health coverage will be increasing 7%.

The University of Guelph received several honors from the United Way 2025 campaign.  The U of G raised $475,000 in total with the retirees contributing an amazing $112,505 of that (24%), which is the highest amount ever raised by retirees!  The U of G was honoured with a Cornerstone Award for this annual campaign.  A special shout out was given to U of G Retirees who made up an enormous part of the campaign.  Julie Hutchins received a C

The United Way  launched a new awards program entitled," Top 7 over 70".  This award program celebrates the accomplishments of Guelph, Wellington and Dufferin older adults who are making exceptional contributions to their community.  See the attached file for more information.  Nominations for this award will open on April 01.
 For additional information, visit the UW website. 
 

As a member of your retiree association, you are invited to the annual CURAC-ARUCC conference in New Westminster, BC, in May 2026. The attached flyer provides more details of the program.

Use the link for more information and to register. 
 

A recording of the CURAC Affiinity Partner BelAir Direct is now available.  They offer car, home and travel insurance.  Before purchasing travel insurance, be sure to check out the travel insurance available with SunLife if you are subscribed to the UoG health insurance plan.  The slides are attached to this announcement.

The link to the ZOOM presentation: 

The passcode: 7ID=9!a5

The Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education (AROHE) is hosting a free webinar series on Charting the Journey to a Fulfilling Retirement beginning 25 Feb2026 at noon Eastern time.

Details can be found in the attachment.

Trip Merchant is holding a contest to win a 12 Day/11 Night package to Vietnam & Cambodia.

Enter the contest before March 31, 2026.  Details of how to enter are provided in the attachment. 

The Wilfred Laurier Univ, Faculty of Social Work is hosting a free webinar series throughout the year to celebrate their 60th Anniversary.  All the sessions will all be posted on CURAC’s Event Calendar 

The lectures are:

January 20 -- Coaching in a BANI World: Helping Clients Find Ground in Uncertain Times

March 27 -- The New Clinician: Confidence Without Certainty in a Trauma-Shaped World

A new webpage has been created with links to CURAC members that provide video recordings of past webinars and workshops.  

There is often a link to subscribe the organization's events calendar so you never miss an upcoming event.  

You can access this page from the UGRA homepage by clicking on the link Videos from CURAC partners under the CURAC link above the homepage banner. 

The University of Toronto Senior College has provided a schedule for their Winter Lecture Series on Wednesdays,  and their Book Club readings.