ST THOMAS, Jamaica – If ever there was an embodiment of the adage ‘age is just a number’, it would be the impressive showing at the Sunshine Senior Citizens Club’s pre-Valentine’s Day High Tea, on Tuesday, in Morant Bay, St Thomas.

Donned in various red and white outfits, senior citizens from the eastern parish spent the afternoon inside the Anglican Church Hall indulging in culinary treats, participating in impromptu performances and spreading love.

President of the Lyssons-based club, Marlene McPherson, told JIS News that the event, which is in its fourth year, is not only a major fundraising exercise to continue the work of the club, but also a much-needed outlet for enjoyment among its members and friends.

“We want it to be fun, inclusive and at the same time get some money from it to serve others. What we are trying to do is to make a statement – we all grow old. We all need care. We all need to be friends of persons who are unfortunate, and our best way to do that is to be of service to them, especially when they are unable to provide for themselves,” McPherson said.

She noted that in addition to the scores of persons who filled all available seats inside the church hall, deliveries were also made to persons at work in the parish capital.

The delectable offerings, McPherson said, were prepared by members of the club, some of whom are returning residents and who influenced the idea to host the High Tea.

Included in the treats were cakes, wraps, fritters, sandwiches, pudding, juice, water and the star of the show –  tea, which the seniors enjoyed while taking in the performances by their peers.

For vice-president, Aneita Simpson, the turnout at the event was exciting. She was particularly pleased with the obvious joy noted among the seniors in attendance.

“We don’t want to feel grumpy. Like I always say, we want to have smiling faces and we want to encourage other people that age is just a number; you can live your normal life even though you are not a teenager,” Simpson said.

She pointed out that the proceeds from the event will assist in supporting some members to attend club events, enable the club to continue its charitable activities, such as a project with the Women’s Centre Foundation of Jamaica in Morant Bay, and to support its visitation exercises where the members take packages to the sick and shut-ins from time to time.

In addition, the club serves hot tea and sandwiches as well as leads a devotion every third Wednesday at the Morant Bay Health Centre.

The Sunshine Senior Citizens Club is more than 20 years old and is part of an islandwide network of clubs catering to the nation’s seniors. These clubs are governed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

– JIS

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