Daan goes East

Daniel Martin of Hilton 242 was in Gauteng for a few days and decided to meet up with a few Golden East 181 members for a social evening. Fruitful discussions were had, and cold beers enjoyed.

- By Daniel Martin

The team at East London 1 themed their monthly Bingo evening at Stirling Lodge to celebrate Mother’s Day. The Bingo evenings, which takes place once a month, always prove to be a delightful experience for both the elderly residents and the Tablers and their families.

As the residents gathered around the tables, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The Tablers distributed bingo cards, and the games began. Laughter, cheers, and occasional cries of "bingo!" echoed through the hall as the numbers were called out. The spirited competition fostered a lively atmosphere, and the participants, young and old alike, revelled in the friendly rivalry. Plenty of treats and prizes were handed out and the delicious cupcakes & cards that each participant was treated to was received with immense gratitude. So many of Stirling Lodge’s residents do not have family locally and it was an honour to celebrate with all the moms and grannies.

The presence of the Tablers families and kids added an extra layer of enthusiasm to the event. They engaged the residents in conversation, listened to their stories, and shared their own experiences. It was evident that the Tablers genuine interest and empathy created a sense of connection that transcended age.

We love giving back. We wanted to make a difference, and seeing the smiles on the residents' faces made it all worthwhile. We hope that this event inspires others to bridge the generation gap and spread happiness in their communities.

The success of the bingo night at Stirling Lodge serves as a testament to the power of intergenerational connection and the impact that small gestures can have on both young and old alike. The initiative taken by these young men not only brought joy and excitement to the residents but to all who attended and partook.

In a world that often focuses on the differences between generations, this heart-warming event reminds us of the shared humanity that unites us all. It goes to show that compassion and understanding can create bridges between generations, fostering a stronger and more inclusive community for everyone.

By Jethro Penny