In Nyon, Pro Senectute organized a Christmas meal for seniors for the first time, in collaboration with the City. In the beautifully decorated community room, around fifty guests took part in this sweet break in good humor.
The project was born in the mind of Evelyne Fallet, regional facilitator at Pro Senectute Vaud. “In line with the Christmas Tables, it has been close to my heart for a very long time to organize a meal on December 24 at noon and to create a moment of warmth, sharing and conviviality,” she confided to Keystone -ATS.
The host spoke about it to Elsa Vilar, social worker at the City. “We were immediately keen to offer a moment to seniors in the region,” enthuses the latter. The City of Nyon has made the community hall available. For the rest, the project was self-financed with the participation of the guests (30 francs per person), adds Ms. Fallet.
Nice dynamic
Around twenty volunteers of all ages, including a professional cook, took part in the organization and worked hard to make the party a great one. They prepared the invitations, the menu, the decoration. Wearing Santa hats, they accompanied and pampered the guests throughout the party, before, for some, heading off to prepare a party elsewhere.
“I took care of a neighbor who recently died at the age of 103. It’s nice to meet new people, it’s a nice dynamic,” says Claudine, serving a flute to the arrivals. .
Anti-loneliness remedy
Several tables with white tablecloths welcome seniors from Nyon, Rolle, Prangins or elsewhere. “I received the Pro Senectute newsletter and thought it was a great idea,” says Patricia. “I invited my friend Claude. We come from La Rippe. I was afraid yesterday of not being able to go down because of the snow,” she laughs.
“It’s a way to be a little less alone. My family is conspicuous by its absence,” explains an octogenarian for whom this meal constitutes the only opportunity to celebrate Christmas. She is far from the only one in this room in this situation.
Paulette, originally from Mauritius, lost her husband in April. “I’m an old turtle,” announces the 83-year-old former nurse-midwife. “I’m looking for a guy, but not one who’s too old,” she laughs. “I feel very alone, sometimes I want to kill myself.” And to underline how reserved the Swiss are.
Widows and widowers
If the assembly is predominantly female, men are also present, as are a few couples. “I received an invoice and I came,” jokes Georges, who lost his wife six months ago.
“It’s a plus in life as a widow,” emphasizes her neighbor Chantal, alone for 20 years. “After the loss of a loved one, we either let go or we move forward,” says the woman who works as a gym instructor at Pro Senectute.
“For many people, Christmas is not a happy time. There are many widows and widowers here. Pro Senectute does a lot for them. There are many places where we dare not go. Here we are in a known field,” she rejoices.
Extend the moment
Time for dessert and Christmas carols, from the divine child to the beautiful tree, voices rise, commune, sharing the joy of the present moment.
Participants will leave with small gifts, homemade biscuits, a shopping bag, a notebook. “A way to prolong this moment,” underlines Evelyne Fallet. “See you next year,” they say, delighted.
Radiant throughout the party, the host rejoices at tidying up time at a “great success which fills a gap and brings a lot of balm to her heart”. And has only one wish: that this meeting of December 24 becomes permanent.
Christmas tables
For the record, Pro Senectute Vaud organizes various festive activities to break the loneliness of elderly people at this time of the year. They complement the Christmas Tables which for five years have offered Vaudois the opportunity to receive a senior at home during the holidays.
This article was automatically published. Source: ats
