Companion Connections, a social networking event for 55+ was held at St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Centre in Scarborough on Saturday, April 4, 2009. The event was a huge success and participants spent an enjoyable afternoon making new friends and possible love matches. In total, 34 participants attended and 21 matches were made, a good indication of how receptive this age group is to the matchmaking process.
Companion Connections is modeled on a typical speed dating event in which women stay seated and men rotate every 6 minutes. If individuals hit it off and both indicate an interest in the other by checking their name, their personal contact info will be given to their match. Contact info is only given out if both parties have checked off each other’s name. This fun, exciting and innovative introductory event allows participants to meet up to 20 other single seniors in one day. St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Centre has also built in a safety feature to ensure participants’ safety and wellbeing by doing follow ups with all matches.
Participants’ experiences were very positive and indicated a need for such a social event. One male participant, aged 68, stated, “The experience was good in terms of getting out and meeting interesting people and some you’d like to see more than once. I had a good time.”
The purpose of Companion Connections is to bring together groups of people from across the city to meet and expand their social horizons. Henry, 68, reported, “It was worth the drive from downtown. I put a lot of ‘yeses’ on my sheet.’” Speed dating also seems to be more of social phenomenon in addition to a matchmaking event for the older set. Margot, 62, stated, “This was the first time I ever heard about speed dating for 55+. I called my friend and said, ‘you have to go with me!’”
When individuals get older, it becomes more of a challenge to meet others outside their everyday circle of family and friends. Social networks tend to be more static than dynamic after retirement. A fact echoed by Sharon, 62, who explained, “When you get older, the tendency is to stay with the norm and stay reclusive. There are no opportunities to reach out and meet people. This opportunity was perfect.”
Companion Connections was collaboration between St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Centre and several partners in the non profit and for profit sectors. Special thanks go out to Steeles Deli Warehouse in Thornhill, Ontario, who provided the participants with lunch and also helped promote the event. Other agencies that helped promote Companion Connections to their clients include North York Seniors Centre, Bernard Betel Centre for Creative Living, Taylor Place, Markham Seniors Centre, West Hill Community Services, Scarborough Support Services, Harmony Hall Centre for Seniors and Revera Living.
Judging by the positive feedback from clients and partners, St. Paul’s has scheduled another event for early September 2009. There are also plans to schedule future events for multicultural groups.
For more information on Companion Connections or recreation events, please contact St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Centre at 416-493-3333.
