Canadian Mental Health Association's Fort Frances branch, undated. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting

The Canadian Mental Health Association’s Fort Frances branch wants to ensure no one is lonely this holiday season.

It is throwing the doors open at its Portage Avenue office for people to gather with others.

Director of Services Pauline Hyatt says they are calling it Christmas Together.

“We’re hoping to bring people together for five different dates over the holidays. We’re going to be serving hot meals. We’re going to have board games, popcorn and movies, cookie decorating, crafts, whatever people would like to do,” says Hyatt.

The event happens today, tomorrow and Sunday and again on December 28 and 29 from 12 to 8 p.m. each day.

Anyone 16 and over is welcome to attend.

“We just really wanted to ensure that people in our community had the opportunity to get together. A lot of places are closed over the holidays, and we just really wanted to say we’re here. Come on by,” says Hyatt.

There is no cost to participate.