The Seniors Club has been a pillar in the community (St. Lunaire-Griquet) for nearly a decade, offering a safe and welcoming place for older adults to gather, socialize, and stay active. With a membership of roughly 50 seniors, the Club focuses on companionship, skill-building, community outreach, and supporting those in need. Thanks to funding from the International Grenfell Association (IGA), the Club was able to expand its programming over the past year and introduce a wide range of activities that benefitted not only their members, but seniors and families from surrounding areas.
With IGA support, the Club hosted more workshops and events than ever before. Their year included bead-making, quilt-making, bib-making, knitting, sealskin craft workshops, paper crafting, and wool knitting, along with wellness-focused sessions such as a cancer nurse workshop. They also held several community events such as men’s breakfasts, seniors brunches, seniors tea events, Thanksgiving celebrations, movie nights, and even a gospel concert. These activities helped create meaningful opportunities for seniors to learn new skills, spend time together, and stay connected to their community.
The Club also continued its tradition of helping others. Members produced lap quilts for people undergoing cancer treatment and dialysis, knitted items for Blankets NL, and prepared socks and slippers for residents in local senior homes. “Quilts by Pearl,” an ongoing fundraiser, remained active throughout the year. With IGA’s support, these activities allowed the Club to reach even more individuals in the region.
The grant also enabled members to participate in field trips and social outings to local attractions. These outings helped seniors explore new places, enjoy shared experiences, and stay engaged in the region. Several members were also able to attend the annual 50+ Club Convention, where they met seniors from across the province and brought back new ideas and inspiration to strengthen their own programs.
Funding assistance for rental costs ensured that the Club could continue hosting its weekly gatherings and special events without interruption. All of these activities combined with food hampers for seniors, children’s holiday events, and outreach to shut-ins have helped create a strong and more connected community.
Through this grant, the Seniors Club has been able to grow its impact in meaningful ways. The IGA’s support helped create more opportunities for learning, cultural sharing, and community care.
