'We don't want to forget them': Seniors gather to fight loneliness in N.E. Calgary

A community group in northeast Calgary is bringingseniors closer together to help fight loneliness and social isolation in the South Asiancommunity.

Love With Humanity just held the third of its Coffee With Seniors events, which was open to everyone but attractedalargely Sikh gathering of a few dozen men and women.

Organizers saythe event's goal wasto give community elders in Saddle Ridge and Taradalea place to get together and connect,sharingproblemsalong with a few laughs.

"Seniors play an important role in our community," said organizer Syed Najam, surrounded by a few dozen seniors in turbans pouring coffee and tea and passing around samosasat Taralake Park.

"We don't want to forget them.We love them.They are animportant pillar for this community. That's why we organized this social gathering," said Najam.

This is the third time Najam has held the event. This time they're celebrating one man's 71st birthday with a cake and flowers.

"We organize social gatherings.We celebrate birthdays.We do our best for them," said Najam.

"We are celebrating the birthday of my friend," saidChananSingh Jaswall.

"All the seniors come in this park and they enjoy their life, they are doing co-operation with each other, that's why we are enjoying,"said Jaswall.

SyedNajamsays he's already planning his next event.

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