Potlucks are fun.
Not only do you get to bring your go-to treats to the table, but you get to try others' favourites and potentially expand your palate.
That's one of the goals behind a Tri-Cities social group's first event of 2023 — all with the hopes of getting isolated residents out of the house and reconnect them with the community.
Tri-Cities United is set to host a potluck-style social lunch in Coquitlam this weekend, marking the second time the organization has hosted an in-person gathering since the start of the pandemic.
Interested participants are being asked to bring a family-favourite dish to the Société Francophone de Maillardville (200-938 Brunette Ave.).
During the two-hour event, organizers say there will be opportunities for arts and crafts, as well as music, dancing and, for the kids, a meet-and-greet with Chase from Paw Patrol.
"Often people ask us the difference between loneliness and social isolation. Loneliness is a feeling that comes up when there is a gap between the social connections we have and the social connections we need," Tri-Cities United spokesperson Genevieve Kyle-Lefebvre told the Tri-City News.
"It is important to distinguish this concept from isolation, which has to do with the number of people in our surroundings. While being socially isolated does not necessarily mean a person is lonely, it can certainly be a catalyst for it, especially when isolation is not our choice....creating connections is one of the solutions to bridge the gap."
The social potluck lunch is scheduled for Sunday (Jan. 15) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
As of this publication (Jan. 11), there are five reserved family tickets still up for grabs for new Tri-Cities United members.
For more information, or if you wish to participate in the group's 2023 events, you're encouraged to join its Facebook page.
Tri-Cities United was co-founded by Kyle-Lefebvre (ParentTalk Podcast), Shawna Comey (Westcoast Family Centres), Renata Steele (RE/MAX City Realty) and Vishad Deeplaul.
In 2020, the group's virtual initiatives acted as fundraisers to help feed hundreds of families, thanks to multiple food drives and a partnership with the United Way of the Lower Mainland's food hub.
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