Despite an afternoon rain, grills were sizzling at Wesley Clover Park on Saturday as seniors from the West Ottawa Community Resource Centre hosted a barbecue and games day to connect with younger people.
Families piled food onto plates and scurried to shelter under rows of tents, challenging each other to old-fashioned games.
“We're trying to bring the two groups together by introducing the types of games they used to play,” said Ian Rayburn, a client of the resource centre.
While some people were busy playing Uno and chess, an intense game of Connect Four was taking place in one of the center tents.
When it wasn't raining, families played horseshoes and hopscotch.
“It's nice to have an afternoon where you can be off your cell phones and just go outside and play and have fun,” mother Jenna Matcham said as her daughter Frankie swung a bubble baton through the air.
“This really speaks to the need for people to get outside, connect with their community and their families, meet new people and try out some games,” said Andrea Nelson, customer service director for the resource center.
Metro provided the afternoon meal and presented the resource center with a check for $2,000, which officials said will be used to host future community meals.
“We have a social group meal program,” Nelson said. “We bring seniors and people with disabilities together to combat isolation and enjoy a really nutritious meal.”
It was the first time the center had hosted an outdoor barbecue, but despite the inclement weather, officials said it was a success.
