You're not alone: Anne Thompson brings older adults together

Anne Thompson runs a monthly sit-down lunch at Faith United Church using donated food and volunteers to help reduce isolation among older adults; the first December meal drew about 20 people and volunteers planned about 40 for January.

Anne Thompson organizes a monthly sit-down lunch in the Faith United Church basement to address social isolation among older adults. The event began with a December holiday-themed meal and drew about 20 diners. Thompson uses donated food from the Gore Park Community Outreach hot-meal program and oversees a buffet-style service with meat and vegetarian options. Volunteers set tables, serve the meal, and join diners to socialize, and Thompson was recognized last year with an Order of Hamilton induction for her community work. Details: - A Rubik's Cube was placed at each seat for this month's meal, though conversation meant most went unused. - A planned craft of tissue-paper flowers was set aside because guests preferred to talk. - Volunteers planned for about 40 diners in January after the December event drew roughly 20. - The lunches feature a buffet, cakes for monthly birthdays, and no paper plates or plastic cutlery. - Thompson, who is in her mid-60s and cooks weekly for the Gore Park program, prepared food early in the morning and also packed takeout containers to deliver to encampments. - Organizers are seeking a grant to air-condition the basement so the lunches could continue through the summer and serve as a cooling site. Summary: The lunches are described by attendees and volunteers as a way to give older adults places to go and people to see, which participants link to emotional and cognitive wellbeing. Volunteers expected growth in attendance and are pursuing a grant to air-condition the space to allow summer programming; Undetermined at this time.