Friday 28 November 2025
Ottawa Golden Oldies Seniors’ Club rings In the Holiday Season with Laughter, Music, and Community Spirit
By Obasola Bamigbola
The Tom Brown Arena Hall came alive with joy, colour, and festive cheer on Friday, November 28, 2025, as the Ottawa Golden Oldies Seniors’ Club hosted its annual Christmas Party. Running from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., the gathering brought together seniors, volunteers, and community members for an afternoon that blended holiday tradition with the warmth of genuine companionship.
The celebration opened with welcome remarks and announcements from Program Coordinator Godwin Ifedi, who expressed gratitude for the club’s resilience and growth over the year. His remarks set the tone for a day focused not just on festivities, but on togetherness, a reminder of why the Golden Oldies Seniors’ Club remains such an important part of Ottawa’s social fabric.
Godwin then introduced the Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Andy Kusi-Appiah, whose upbeat energy carried the room from the outset. Dr. Andy guided the program with humour and ease, encouraging everyone in attendance to relax, participate, and simply enjoy the moment.
Festivities officially kicked off with the much-anticipated games, led by the ever-enthusiastic Donnielle Roman. Her spirited facilitation had attendees laughing, cheering, and diving headfirst into a friendly chair dance competition. The games brought people out of their seats and created an infectious atmosphere of playfulness.
As the games wound down, the mood shifted seamlessly into music and dancing, filling the hall with classic holiday tunes and Afro-Caribbean rhythms that resonated deeply with the diverse group of seniors. Some swayed gently in their chairs while others took to the dance floor with lively steps, proving that age has little influence on the ability to have a good time.
A delicious lunch followed, warm, hearty, and served with the kind of hospitality that made everyone feel at home. The meal offered a chance to slow down, chat, and share stories, reinforcing the sense of community the Golden Oldies Seniors’ Club has cultivated over the years.
With renewed energy, the afternoon continued with more music and dancing. One of the most exciting moments came during the door prize draw, where lucky seniors were called up to receive gifts that brought applause and laughter. These small but thoughtful prizes added an element of surprise and delight to the day.
The 2025 Christmas Party was more than a festive gathering; it was a powerful reminder of community, joy, and the importance of creating spaces where seniors feel valued and celebrated. Many attendees lingered long after the program officially ended, reluctant to let go of an afternoon filled with laughter, connection, and the spirit of the season.
All photos copyright Black Ottawa Scene