At 82 years old, Paul has lived a life full of experiences – working in construction management across Europe and North America and raising his family of two daughters and two sons.
Yet, life threw him some challenges, including a separation from his wife, two hernia operations, and a move to a new city. Despite it all, Paul is thankful to now be in good health and making connections through volunteering with Archway’s Lunch with the Bunch (LWTB) program.
Paul first connected with Archway through the Social Prescribing program, where he met Trina, the program’s coordinator. At the time, he was looking for work, so Paul enrolled in Archway’s STRIDE program for older adults to get help with resume building. He heard about the LTWB program and eventually became a regular attendee. The weekly LWTB gatherings, aimed at fostering community and connection for seniors, quickly became a meaningful part of his life.
“I started coming for the company,” Paul recalled. “It’s great to talk to people.”
Paul playing games at Lunch With The Bunch
“About a year ago at LWTB, I needed extra help with cleanup and asked Paul to vacuum, and he’s been helping ever since. We are so grateful for Paul’s positive attitude and willingness to lend a hand.”
Paul helps at Lunch With The Bunch stacking chairs
Over time, Paul began helping with the practical side of the program, vacuuming floors and cleaning tables after lunch.
“About a year ago at LWTB, I needed extra help with cleanup and asked Paul to vacuum, and he’s been helping ever since. We are so grateful for Paul’s positive attitude and willingness to lend a hand,” said Trina Enns, Archway Social Prescribing Program coordinator.
Paul’s involvement at LWTB provided him with a weekly commitment, a sense of purpose and friends in his newfound community. This became particularly important after he and his wife separated, prompting his move from the familiar community of White Rock to Abbotsford to be closer to his daughter.
Paul also became a board director at Abbotsford’s Healthy Aging – an organization that provides resources and programs for seniors in Abbotsford.
Through his involvement with Archway, Paul has gained a deeper appreciation for his health and the value of community.
“I’ve realized how lucky I am to be in good health at 82.”
Though Paul occasionally dreams of returning to the UK where he was born or tackling another construction project, he finds immense fulfillment in volunteering.
“I don’t need to get paid. It’s the least I could do since Archway has been so kind to me,” said Paul.
For Paul, Lunch with the Bunch is not just about lunch – it’s about community, purpose, and giving back.
“I don’t need to get paid. It’s the least I could do since Archway has been so kind to me.”