Fred and Tonny Scholten celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary last Friday in the most unlikely of places — a meeting room at Share Family and Community Services offices in Port Moody.
"We are blessed," said Tonny, looking around the room at nine other seniors who were joining them in the morning festivities.
The couple who also live in Port Moody are one of approximately a dozen Tri-City seniors who come Fridays to a newly-formed Seniors Cafe.
Tonny and Fred, who knew each other when their families moved to Canada from Amsterdam and reunited in their early 60s after living separate lives and raising families, say they enjoy coming to socialize with the group.
Hearing other people's stories while sharing baked goods and coffee is a nice way to spend some time, the two say. "We like meeting people our own age," Tonny said.
The group was started in the summer for people over age 65 who use the food bank.
Roxann MacDonald said the idea was to make the process of picking up hampers less taxing on older people while also giving them an opportunity to learn more about seniors services and making new friendships.
"They are forming their own social group, which is exactly what we were hoping," MacDonald said.
Approximately 10% of food bank users are seniors and the process of getting to a food bank and lining up can be tiring, especially for those with health issues or mobility challenges.
For some, there's also a stigma attached and so most of the seniors attending the Senior Cafe didn't want to be identified or have their picture taken.
But the Scholten's said they used to feel a stigma but now just feel grateful because the donated food they get helps stretch what they can buy on their fixed income.
However, it's clear by those who attended Friday's senior's cafe that it appeals to a wide variety of people and cultures, including newcomers from Iran and Colombia.
MacDonald said group members are selecting topics that they want to learn about and so will be hearing soon from a wide range of speakers on issues such as Alzheimer's and elder abuse.
There is also room for more seniors in the group. Any food bank clients who are 65 years or older and are interested in the group that meets Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon at 2615 Clarke St., Port Moody, can call Kathie Rodway at 604-937-6975.
Additional supports for seniors
Share Family and Community Services offers a number of programs targeted to seniors, including:
• Better at Home (for people 65+), which provides light housekeeping, transportation to medical appointments, minor home repair, grocery shopping and friendly visiting. Some services have fees based on household income.
• Welcoming Seniors Spaces (for people 75+) programs that help seniors stay connected;
• Seniors on the Move (for people 75+) transportation services to community centres and other locations where they can access resources. Services are provided by volunteers and a fee is charged based on income.
• Seniors Support Group (for people 60+), offers a discussion group for those who want to gain or give support. The group runs two or three times per year.
For more information, call Kathie Rodway at 604-937-6975.
