It is our honour to receive the grants from Neighbourhood Small Grants, and thanks to Richmond Cares and Richmond Gives support.
Starting Aug 10, some meetings were held to discuss the program for the Sept 18 Potluck party. Attendees were Irene, Mike, John and Flora. We gathered ideas on a variety of food items, topics of different themes for presentation, arrangement of tables, utensils, and entertainment for seniors and children’s participants. The decision has come to a conclusion that each family is to bring some food with the funding. We invited members to bring and draft their signature dish and drink list.
The weather was exceptionally good on the day of the gathering. Flora & Gordon, the garden owner, provided the yellow Sun Umbrella for the party location. John brings the large Table; members bring small garden tables and chairs. Transforming parking areas and flower enclosures into elegant, comfortable spaces. Each family participated in the food sharing, some homemade, some bought from food stores. Soup, fruit, cookies and cakes are all available. One of our neighbours makes a real Birthday cake; its taste and appearance are both amazing.
Our neighbours were absolutely delighted; the self-introductions from each household made everyone laugh heartily. The oldest couple were 95 & 90 years old. They have lived here for 30 years, and we live in a community known for longevity.
Ron and Connie Robson, a couple, said that they have been living here for more than 30 years, and have never had such a neighbour’s happy party. We also invited the Comstock neighbours, Clem and Germaine, to join us at the backyard door of Livingstone Place.
After lunch, Mike presents gardening tips and skills, and what catches the eye are the various beautiful roses and fig trees. Neighbours stroll among the gardens of the various households, admiring the scenery.
Finally, we played Ping-Pong games and laugh matches. Irene gave a magnifying glass to the seniors as a gift. RCMP volunteers visit us during the party. We all feel warm and safe.
The party brought the neighbour and the community together.
