Lanark Village has launched two initiatives this year that are connecting the Kitchener seniors living community with local seniors and building social capital.
The Soup Club and the Seniors Walking Club have been well-received since their inception and have enhanced relationship building and increased the Village’s community profile, team members say.
Launched in January, the Soup Club is a program that delivers delicious homemade soup on the last Friday of every month to local seniors. Chef Mark prepares a different soup each month and includes reheating instructions. Soups Mark has made so far include beef and barely in January, butternut squash in February, and avgolemono, a Greek chicken and rice soup flavoured with lemon juice, in March.
Once the soups are ready, Robert, the Village’s shuttle driver, and another team member will home-deliver them to seniors who have requested a spot on the list.
“This outreach is a great way for seniors to have a taste of the wonderful food that we have at Lanark Village and allows them to have a homemade meal without having to cook,” fun co-ordinator Lisa Rathier tells S&R Today, adding the idea for this program stems from Lanark Village’s annual Thanksgiving meal delivery service, which sends turkey dinners to local seniors.
In March, Lanark Village launched the Seniors Walking Club which includes trips to a local walking track once a week. A group of residents and team members head to the track on Wednesdays to meet a group of local folks who join them for walks.
Snacks, including muffins, cookies and coffee, prepared in the Lanark Village kitchen, are available for everyone afterwards.
“It’s great to see the seniors in our local community enjoying a part of Lanark Village: good food and a chance to socialize while getting some exercise,” says Lanark Village executive director and regional manager Bradley Lukas.
Lisa notes that these initiatives provide local seniors with a glimpse of what Lanark Village has to offer residents while forging new relationships.
“Each program offers us a unique way to stay in touch with seniors who are in the community and give them a chance to experience some of the things Lanark Village has to offer,” she says.
Lanark Village marketing and services manager Ashley Smith says the programs are an excellent way to connect with local seniors and promote the Lanark Village experience.
“Having an opportunity to chat with seniors while delivering soup and at the walking club is a great way to connect and talk about seniors living in a relaxed environment,” she says.
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