The Friendship Room – A Daily Gathering Place

Coffee/ tea are served daily at the Friendship Room

The Friendship Room is a drop in place in the downtown of Charlottetown, PEI.  It opens from 9 am- 11:30a.m., Mondays  to Fridays , everyday !  I was surprised to find out that anyone could go in, get a free tea or coffee, something to eat,  sit down and chat with others.  Since I am visiting the city, I went to the Friendship Room for a few times and have my morning coffee there.

The Friendship Room is located in the basement of the Salvation Army Community Church building at Fitzroy and Prince Street .  This daily coffee hour program is run by volunteers from the church.  

There are volunteers working here everyday to run this program. Besides serving coffee/ tea, muffins and donuts donated by local restaurants, the volunteers  wash and put away dishes,  organize donated food items and display them on tables.  There are always some unsold prepared food items such as potato salad, Cole slaw salad, bread, cheese etc.  sent by the local grocery stores. The patrons could pick up any of these food items on their way out of the Friendship Room.

Betty was honoured for her dedicated volunteer work at the Friendship Room

After pouring a cup of hot tea for myself at the drink station, I sat down at one of the many large round tables.  There were four men and a lady chatting away and enjoying their morning coffee at our table. In the middle of the table was a large plate of a variety of mini donuts, muffins and cakes. Everyone helped him/herself to the treats

Betty's last day after twelve years of volunteer service

Today was a special day. It was the last day for Betty, one of the regular volunteers,  who has dedicated her mornings, efforts and love to this place for the past twelve years. The place was packed!  People came out to honour this lovely lady with a big heart who has given so much to this place.  Betty,  a friendly and cheerful volunteer for twelve years,  was  the person  who spotted me when I came here for the first time. Though she was busy doing a multitude of tasks, she came me out of the kitchen,  gave me a big hug, welcomed me cheerfully and introduced me to everyone.

The Living Waters Musical Group

A group called the Living Waters, was playing guitars and singing songs at the front while people were enjoying their breakfast.  Volunteers were busy serving a hot breakfast of eggs, sausages and toasts to the guests.  People were talking,  laughing and sharing their news with their friends. A couple of young families with young children were there as well.   There were  around 60-70 people enjoying this friendly atmosphere when I got there at  9:30a.m. 

Thank you to Betty from patrons of the Friendship Room

Since today was Betty’s last day volunteering at the Friendship Room, she was asked to say a few words and presented flowers by Ian Scott, and Deanna Scott, officers of the Salvation Army Community Church that sponsored this program.




Betty was very emotional, tearfully sharing her thoughts about this place and how she hoped that one day when she got old there would be people who would also volunteer their time to serve others.  People applauded and expressed their heartfelt  appreciation. One by one, they went up and gave Betty their hugs and best wishes.

Hot delicious breakfast was served the day when I was there.

 The Friendship Room provides a great opportunity and place for the needy residents of Charlottetown  to hang out, make friends and just talk on a daily basis.  For those who are shy and prefer to be quiet and sit by themselves, they could just sip their coffee quietly, enjoy the treats on the table and listen to the nice music and watch the program. No pressure; no demands here.

Evelyn and  Anne - Volunteers of the Friendship Room

It is because of dedicated volunteers such as Betty, Evelyn and Anne that the Friendship Room can continue to operate daily and serve the people of Charlottetown. Hats off to you all - Volunteers of the Friendship Room, the unsung heroes of the Charlottetown community!

R.T. Charlottetown

June 20, 2012