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Q: Why are you organizing this?

A: “We did the Bocce Blast. This time, its a potluck pop-up. This came out of the Vancouver Foundation‘s work. They found the No. 1 issue people cited was a feeling of isolation. There’s so many societal dynamics at play including urban design, long commutes, this social phenomenon of cocooning, entertainment in our homes.

“But I also know people have a real longing to connect. You do these small events and maybe over time, you many inspire others to do the same. You build some momentum. The benefit is that anybody who feels connected to a supportive community is going to be happier, less stressed out, more likely to engage in civic activities to improve the community, maybe a little less reliance on government to do everything.

“I just think it’s all good. But we’re just seeding the idea with this. We’re not going to turn the world around.”

Q: That’s my next question, is a small potluck really going to make a difference?

A: “No. But if we get 100 people out and 90 of those people leave inspired, maybe those people will do something or maybe they’ll meet someone. Maybe they’ve been feeling very successful in their professional career, but feeling a little lonely. They meet people and they start to has a greater sense of community.”

This interview has been edited for length.

estolte@edmontonjournal.com

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