By: Georgia LeBlanc, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
The Lasalle Friendship Club has been providing a safe space for local seniors to socialize with their peers for over forty-five years.
In 1979, the club was founded by Lucy Moore, who would invite friends over to play cards in her basement. As it began to expand, the club began gathering in the basement of Sacred Heart Church. After gaining even more popularity, the club moved to their current home, Lasalle Town Hall.
President of the Friendship Club, Jo-Anne Drouillard, said she has been involved in the club for many years.
“I’ve been with the club since 1985,” said Jo-Anne. “My mother was one of the founding members. When my father passed away, I started bringing her there to play cards.”
Due to the lack of volunteers, Treasurer Diane Girty said she felt it was her duty to get involved at the friendship club before being elected.
“It gives seniors a safe place to go because we run out of the Town Hall,” said Girty. “We have our own room for the most part and provide snacks at every game.”
Available six days a week, Jo-Anne said the club is a great way for seniors to combat loneliness.
“A lot of seniors are widows and widowers sitting at home alone,” said Jo-Anne. “It’s better for them to come and play cards, bingo, or even just crochet.”
“The club is a break from my usual day-to-day routine,” said club member Joyce Tyler. “I come twice a week and enjoy the company of the other members. I have a very good time socializing with people other than family.”
Jo-Anne said the club welcomes anyone who is fifty years and older from any part of Windsor- Essex. She also said memberships are very affordable and includes yearly events.
“It’s a minimal charge to play cards,” said Jo-Anne. “It’s four dollars to play and ten dollars a year for a membership. That includes an August barbecue and Christmas dinner.”
Club member Brenda St. Germain said the group often crochets hats, blankets and more to donate to many different charities.
“We donate to the Downtown Mission, Street Help and nursing homes,” said St. Germain. “We’ve donated many shawls, lap blankets and hats. The ladies of the group are very generous.”
St. Germain also said the group recently donated two hundred hand-crocheted teddy bears to the JOI Optimist Club of Lasalle, a non-profit organization, which supports local youth.
On top of these warm handmade essentials, Jo-Anne said the group also donates to the local food bank every year.
“If anybody has an idea of a place to donate to, put it in the suggestion box and it will be brought up in the next meeting,” said Jo-Anne.
St. Germain said the club isn’t limited to crafts and cards, with people coming just to talk and socialize.
“We also solve some of the problems of the world here,” joked St. Germain.
To join or inquire about the daily schedule, contact the Lasalle Friendship Club Room at 519-
551-8167, or email lafriendship@gmail.com
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