Soup, sandwich, and more

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This article was published 17/10/2022 (1108 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s good to be back.

On Oct. 4, the Transcona Retired Citizen’s Organzation held its first Soup & Sandwich lunch at 328 Whittier Ave. West since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down large group gatherings in 2020. Not only does the weekly event allow members to enjoy lunch for $8, but also provides ample opportunity for visiting and community building.

“It feels very good to be back,” said Nellie Oberton, a member of the group for the past 20 years, on Oct. 11. “For the last two years and all that, it was hard on the people, young and old and whatever.”

“We’ve been members for a while and when it was shut down, we missed it,” said George McGinnis, who attended the Oct. 11 lunch with his wife, Linda. “I get to see my sister, and the camaraderie with all the other people, and the cheap lunch. It’s good. We love it.”

“We can’t wait for Tuesdays,” added Linda McGinnis.

At least half a dozen volunteers are on hand each Monday and Tuesday to make the soup and doll it out, as well as organize a 50/50 draw and other sociable activities for members. If there is food left over, seniors can buy jars of soup or trays of sandwiches for $4 to bring home.

“Seniors can usually get two meals out of the soup and two out of the sandwiches,” Yvonne Boisclair, president of the TRCO, said.

While the group remained active during the pandemic, it has only recently returned to providing its full slate of activities for seniors.

“We started in September with Coffee Break on Tuesdays, from 10 (a.m.) to 1 (p.m.), so they could come in and do all their paperwork, pay their memberships, find out about the programs we’d be running,” Boisclair added.

Art classes, cards, darts, bingo, dancing, and more are offered free to members Monday through Friday. The organization also regularly hosts info sessions and other events that may be of interest to members. New this year, Boisclair added, is tai chi on Mondays and line dancing on Fridays, for which members are asked to contribute $2 per class to cover costs.

Currently, the organization has about 180 members, which is down from pre-pandemic levels, as was attendance at the first two weekly Soup & Sandwich lunches.

“Before, we used to get over 100 people (each Tuesday),” Oberton noted. “But now, it’s kind of slowed down. Maybe it will pick up. Let’s hope.”

“But we had three new members today, so people are still finding out,” Boisclair said.

Membership for the organization is $20 per year, starting Sept. 1. Proof of vaccination is required. For more information, visit transconaseniors.ca/blank-12