The smell of waffles wafted through the Winkler Senior Centre recently as locals gathered for one of the community’s most cherished traditions—the monthly Waffle Breakfast. With its cozy atmosphere, friendly faces, and plates piled high with golden waffles topped with fruit and sweet Mennonite-style white sauce, the event is much more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of community.
Country 88 morning show host Ty Hildebrand and The Eagle 93.5’s Jayme Giesbrecht stopped by to visit with guests, chat with staff, and get a taste of the iconic breakfast for themselves. But it wasn’t just waffles they walked away with—it was life advice, stories, and a deeper appreciation for the role the Senior Centre plays in the community.
The Waffle Breakfast has been part of the Winkler Senior Centre for over 40 years, starting almost as soon as the centre opened its doors. Cathleen Bergen, who has worked at the centre for 16 years, says the waffles have become famous for good reason. “They’re crispy on the outside, nice and fluffy on the inside, and people love the fruit sauce and the traditional white sauce,” she shared with a smile.
Behind the scenes, it’s a team of hardworking staff and volunteers who keep the tradition alive. From mixing batter to stirring up the signature sauces, the kitchen is a well-oiled machine with five women making sure each plate is perfect.
Beyond the delicious food, it’s the atmosphere that keeps people coming back. The room was full of laughter and conversation as people of all ages gathered—some long-time regulars, others stopping by for the first time.
Jayme and Ty spent the morning chatting with attendees, asking for some words of wisdom—and the seniors did not disappoint.
“Stay positive, work hard, and enjoy family and life to the fullest,” shared Lottie. John Klassen offered a bit of encouragement with a wink: “If you wanna do it, do it—because you're old before you know it.” Another guest reminded everyone not to overthink it: “Don't worry, be happy.” And when it came to financial advice, the tips were simple and sound: “Don’t give it all away.”
The joy of the morning was contagious, and for many, it’s that sense of togetherness that makes the event so special. “It’s a big social thing,” Bergen said. “Everybody comes—from the young ones to the 100-year-olds.”
Whether it’s the fluffy waffles, the classic white sauce, or the chance to swap stories and smiles, the Waffle Breakfast is a reminder that the best things in life are often the simplest: good food, good company, and a little wisdom from those who’ve lived it.
The next breakfast is already on the calendar, and as always, everyone from the community is welcome to pull up a chair and dig in.