Someone stops you on the street and asks you, “what are you thankful for?” How would you answer? You may give them a light-hearted response: ‘I’m thankful for coffee. Without it, I wouldn’t be awake!’

Maybe you take a moment to pause and reflect on what you have accomplished in life. “I’m thankful for the opportunities that have opened up for me.”

Or, perhaps, you give offer a heartfelt expression: “I’m thankful for my family, and the laughter and support we share.”

For many of us, this season of pandemic and self-isolation has reinforced just how important interpersonal connections really are in our lives. For the volunteers and staff at Community Support Connections, it is a sentiment they have witnessed and experienced far beyond the pandemic, as they help older adults in Waterloo Region connect with the programs, services, and people they need to remain healthy, physically strong, and socially connected.

October is Community Support Month is Ontario, a time to learn about and celebrate the organizations and services province-wide that work toward building caring, connected communities. In the spirit of Community Support Month, Community Support Connections shares with us 10 things their customers tell them they are thankful for:

  1. “Meals on Wheels are amazing. I wouldn’t know what I would do without them!”
  2. “My volunteer is wonderful. I am happy she shops for me!”
  3. “[Your exercise program] really helped a lot mentally and physically. … I am really happy for the opportunity to have the program.”
  4. “I am grateful for your calls every morning. I wake up knowing that someone is out there in the world ready to speak to me.”
  5. “The drivers are always so nice and kind to me.”
  6. “My cleaner is such a gem. I don’t know what I would do without her. Thank you for sending her my way!”
  7. “I feel very safe with the safety procedures [Community Support Connections] has put in place during COVID-19.”
  8. “I appreciate all that you did for my mother when she was in need. I appreciate all that you continue to do.”
  9. “Your service is excellent, seniors need a service like this. Thanks for everything you do.”
  10. 10) “I am very happy I can stay in my own place, and it is all because of Community Support Connections.”