A warm, friendly place
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, isolation was an all-too-familiar reality for many seniors. In Cumberland, however, a beacon of connection emerged when the Cumberland Adult (50+) Social Club was launched in response to the profound need for social engagement and community connectedness among Cumberland seniors.
Since its inception in September 2021, the drop-in Social Club has become a haven of warmth and camaraderie, overseen by the Village of Cumberland’s Recreation Department, driven by dedicated volunteers, and enriched by participant-led activities. From bridge and mahjong to creative writing sessions and a lively book club, the Adult Social Club offers a diverse array of activities tailored to the interests of its participants.
“The range of activities and the drop-in nature of the program reflect our commitment to fostering the social bonds that are so important among people our age,” says Donna Frawley, the Adult Social Club’s lead facilitator.
Programs and activities
Frawley says that bridge and writing group are popular on Tuesdays, as is the optional $5 hot lunch that’s served on the first Tuesday of each month in partnership with the Cumberland Community School Society. Mahjong and book club take centre stage on Fridays, but bridge and other card games remain popular—and there’s coffee, tea, and socializing every day.
The Adult Social Club’s facilitators look for ways for participants to interact with the community on a wider level—for example, the group prepared all 200 pounds of strawberries for the Village’s Belonging 125 Strawberry Tea last June.
On the first Friday of every month, a representative of the Comox Valley Senior Support Society joins the group to help provide access to its vital, non-medical support services, alleviating the need for seniors to travel into Courtenay.
“This resource has been so valuable to many of our regular participants,” says Frawley. “We’ve received support with a range of issues, including will preparation, completing official forms, and generally navigating the world of supports that are available but are sometimes difficult to access for those who may not be comfortable using a computer.”
Unsung hero, Jason Stevens
And then there’s the unwavering dedication of Jason Stevens, a local paramedic and largely unsung hero whose volunteer work has left an indelible mark on the club’s participants. Stevens was originally engaged to lead a short series of exercises designed to promote “Staying Active and Independent for Life,” but his visits have evolved to include CPR and AED training, discussions of addiction and the use of naloxone kits, awareness about fall prevention and recovery, and much more. His presence has become a source of comfort and support, offering not only vital health education but also a compassionate ear for those navigating medical challenges.
“Jason has become a member of our drop-in family,” beams Frawley. “He’s earned the trust of the group by continually being there for us. When we first met Jason, most of our participants didn’t have a primary healthcare practitioner, but he was able to navigate the medical system and get help right away for some of our members. There’s no question that his work with the group has saved lives.
“Many of our participants live alone,” she adds. “Having a weekly check-in with Jason—and the fact that he makes sure everyone has someone checking in on them throughout the week if they’re unwell—creates a sense of safety. We know that he cares about us, and we care deeply about him. The value of that relationship cannot be overstated.”
A love story
Perhaps the most touching testament to the impact of a program designed to combat social isolation, though, is the love story that has blossomed within its walls. Gary Mitchell and Vivienne Obrien found much more than friendship when their individual journeys led them to the Adult Social Club; the two were married on April 14, 2024, with a “drop-in wedding reception” held during the April 19 Social Club session.
While Cumberland’s Adult Social Club can’t promise true love for all who join, what it can offer is something just as precious: friendship, a sense of belonging, and the simple joy of shared moments.
The Adult Social Club is held at the Cumberland Cultural Centre on Tuesdays (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and Fridays (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Admission is just $3 or free with a Cumberland Recreation membership. For details, visit cumberland.ca/social-club.
