To celebrate Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House, we’re sharing stories from our program participants, staff, and volunteers about what makes our House so special.

Here, four of our talented line dancers describe what makes our energetic seniors’ line dancing classes so much fun!

Darlina Ycaro: In April 2013, Susan Lee asked me to come to Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House for line dancing, with Liza Done as dance instructor. Then suddenly, Liza had to quit!

So I volunteered to continue teaching the line dancing—three year’s later and I’m still here! The class started out as Mondays only, but we expanded to Fridays too. I feel so blessed to be part of the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House family. I hope the House considers me a part of the family too.

Cynthia. Darlina invited me to join her for line dancing on her first anniversary of teaching at the House. Since then, I joined her every Monday and Friday!

It’s a great form of exercise for me and I enjoy meeting other seniors, who eventually become friends. Exchanging pleasantries here certainly breaks the boredom of living alone.

Francis: I came to Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House in 2014 to join the seniors’ line dancing group, because of the proddings of my friend and instructor Darlina.

Her assistant at times was Ester, who likewise convinced me to join. I really enjoyed the dancing every Monday and the camaraderie of other seniors. I still join in, as long as time permits.

Luiz: I first came to do line dancing at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House when Darlina had been teaching for three years, in 2016. It was a fun activity for me and I met so many wonderful people because of it. I have been coming regularly to line dancing sessions ever since.

I am continually amazed at the dedication and BIG heart of the good people here, especially our teachers Darlina and Ester, who volunteer their time to this cause—leading people to dance, having fun, doing exercise with music, making friends and having a wonderful time.

Thank you to Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House! I am so glad to belong here and I wish you even more success!

Do you have a story about what your Neighbourhood House means to you? Share it on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using the hashtag #myNHstory!