Laughter and words of encouragement were ringing out through the Thames Horizon shuffleboard clubhouse on Tuesday.
Laughter and words of encouragement were ringing out through the Thames Horizon shuffleboard clubhouse on Tuesday.
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This has been happening on a regular basis since early June thanks to a partnership that has developed between the shuffleboard club and Community Living Chatham-Kent, which serves people with diverse abilities.
The agency loaned the Thames Horizon club its charity number late last year so it could access some grant money from the Chatham-Kent Community Foundation to upgrade the lounge and bathrooms at the facility, located just east of Chatham on the Mackness family farm on Longwoods Road .
Club member Louis Beausoleil said Community Living’s loan of its charity number so it could receive $7,500 in funding was appreciated
“We owe them big time,” he said.
In appreciation, Thames Horizon members have been volunteering their time to teach Community Living members how to play the sport.
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“It’s been a really nice relationship that way and then it’s also been a great bonding experience and team-building,” said Community Living manager of community relations Jenny McGregor.
“It’s been going so well,” she said. “Everyone has been having a lot of fun.”
Noting Tuesday was the third session, McGregor said, “It’s been a really wonderful opportunity to come out a try something new in this beautiful setting.”
Thames Horizon shuffle board club president Al Little said, “Look at the number of people we have here.”
He noted there were 10 volunteers and 20 players for Tuesday’s session.
“It’s really great,” Little said, “They’re enjoying coming out and we’re enjoying having them here to showcase our place.”
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Community Living member Robert said, “It’s my second time coming here and it’s great.”
He heard it was a fun time from the folks at Community Living so he decided to come out.
Robert said he’s enjoying the friendships he’s making.
“It’s pretty good,” said Patty, another Community Living member.
She has been enjoying seeing old friends from the agency and getting to know new people.
“I’ll be back,” Patty said.
Club member Norma Van Eerd has been volunteering at the sessions, held every other Tuesday.
“I like it; I’m glad we can do this for them,” she said.
Van Eerd said she has a granddaughter with Down syndrome. “I hope other people help her, so I’m helping these people.”
Fellow club member Cyndi Lefaive has enjoyed coming to the sessions with the Community Living folks.
“They’ve all really picked up (the game),” she said. “We’ve got a few that are pros that we could have games with.”
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