Non-profit hosts Easter brunch for seniors across Quebec to break isolation

With her children spread out across the globe, from Tennessee to Sweden, Diane Lewis says she's no stranger to loneliness. 

"It's hard, you know, I'm glad for them because they love where they are, they're very happy there … but I'm lonely. I really am," said the 82-year-old Montrealer. 

Following the worst of the pandemic, when her isolation reached new heights, Lewis decided to take action. 

She reached out to Little Brothers, a group that provides support to lonely seniors aged 75 and older across the province. 

"It's cool because they find you a younger person to come visit you at home and support you," Lewis said. 

"Whether it's a phone call or anything … it feels very reassuring that you're not alone, that there's somebody there." 

Lewis was one of dozens of seniors and volunteers who gathered at Cedar Park United Church Sunday in Pointe-Claire on Montreal's West Island for a special Easter brunch. 

Michelle Cousin, a volunteer, says it's always a pleasure to connect with the seniors, whether that be over the phone or at their home, but it's especially important to gather with them during the holidays. 

"It's crucial. It reminds them that they still matter to someone, that they're not forgotten, that people want their company and want them to share in a festive meal," she said. 

Brunches were organized in 25 different establishments across 12 regions of Quebec over the weekend, including in the greater Montreal area and Quebec City.

Janet Broxup, 83, described the Little Brothers event as "a family affair" and the group itself as a community. 

Despite being a widow with a daughter living in Plattsburgh, N.Y., and another in England, Broxup says she was happy to respond to those who asked whether she had any plans for Easter.

"I said quite positively, 'Oh yeah, I have something to go to on the Sunday. I'm fine,'" she said. 

Linda McManus began volunteering with Little Brothers years ago, after her mother died in hospital, because she saw how important her frequent visits were.