It was your typical baby shower with plenty of gifts, food, games and laughter.
The only thing the shower was missing was an expectant or new mother to lavish all the gifts on. Instead, this baby shower, attended by a group of residents and their friends at one of the Castle Arms seniors apartments, was for women they didn't even know. It was for moms who are struggling to provide their child with some of the basic needs in their first year of life.
Shower organizer, Betty Doughty heard about a similar party over the winter and decided it was such a good idea, that she organized this shower as another way to help young families in the community.
"We're all seniors, so a lot of people can't get out, they don't get out of their apartments or have a chance to do things. So I decided to hold a baby shower with some of the residents," she said. "They thought it was a nice way to support a good cause and it's a good social afternoon."
The cause is the 'Trinity Infant Food Shelf' at Trinity United Church in North Bay. Linda McLay is one of the program coordinators.
"They can come once a month and we will support them with diapers, formula, wipes, soothers and anything else that we get," explained McLay. "Once they get the basics, they're allowed to pick three other items off the table every time they come, so they get pretty excited about that. "
Fifty families are currently registered with the program.
"We take the opportunity while they're coming here with their baby to teach them a few things we think are really important. Safe sleep is one of the major issues for us", said McLay. "We talk about baby proofing their home, and if we have things like covers for light sockets or locks for cupboards, we'll give them some. And we talk a lot about nutrition because one of the things we provide is baby food."
Rose Gelineau was one of the many guests attending the shower. The 98-year-old is part of a weekly knitting group. She said despite her poor eyesight, she was able to knit some socks and bonnets for the children.
"I didn't have any children of my own, but my sister had nine and I helped make clothes for them. I'm happy to help children. It makes me feel good," she said.
Renee Charlebois is the organizer's daughter. Charlebois said she had never heard of a shower like this one, but wasn't surprised that her mom, who once led guide troops and loves to organize activities, would arrange something like this.
"A lot of them have said that it's a fun way to help, plus you feel good getting out and helping other people, and I'm sure some people here have struggled as young moms themselves."